Finland vs Republic of Ireland Predictions

Finland vs Republic of Ireland predictions for this Nations League fixture. Finland and the Republic of Ireland, both struggling in League B Group 3, aim for their first win in the UEFA Nations League as they meet for their third fixture on Thursday. Crucial points are at stake. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips

Nations League | League A | Oct 10, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Helsingin olympiastadion

Finland vs Republic of Ireland Predictions

Can Either Finland or Ireland Find Redemption in a Battle of Strugglers?

• Ireland’s Goal Drought: The Republic of Ireland have failed to score in 12 of their 18 Nations League matches, leaving them with one of the worst attacking records in the competition.
• Finland’s Home Edge: Finland have won their last two home matches against Ireland, both by a 1-0 scoreline, suggesting they thrive when playing on familiar ground.
• Low-Scoring Trends: Four of the last seven meetings between these two sides have seen two goals or fewer, underlining how rarely these matches produce many goals.

Our Tips

Thursday’s upcoming UEFA Nations League clash between Finland and the Republic of Ireland is a vital encounter for both sides, neither of whom have yet to pick up a single point in their group. Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium will host a match that could decide the fate of these two struggling teams, who find themselves at the bottom of League B Group 3. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with relegation staring both nations in the face.

The top two teams, England and Greece, have already opened up a six-point gap, leaving Finland and Ireland scrambling to avoid a drop to the lower tier. The Republic of Ireland, under new boss Heimir Hallgrimsson, are desperate to improve their dismal form, while Finland are seeking redemption after a similarly uninspired start to their campaign. Neither team can afford another defeat, and this head-to-head could be the ultimate scrap for survival in the competition.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals

Given the recent form of both sides, a bet on under 2.5 goals feels like the most sensible prediction for this fixture. Both Finland and Ireland have struggled to find the back of the net in their opening two games, and neither looks particularly sharp in attack. A tight, cagey affair looks likely, and here’s why.

Finland have not only lost both of their Nations League games so far, but they have failed to score in either match, including a 3-0 loss to Greece and a 2-0 defeat against England. In fact, Finland’s overall attacking numbers are nothing short of grim—averaging just 0.5 shots on target per game and 0 goals from inside or outside the box. For a side that once prided itself on organised, dogged play, it’s hard to imagine a sudden surge in goals now, even with Teemu Pukki up front. The fact that they are playing at home could provide some relief, but even then, we shouldn’t expect a flood of goals.

Ireland are in an equally dire situation. Not only have they lost their first two games, but they also haven’t scored a single goal. Their attack has looked toothless, with an average of just one shot on target per game across the two matches. Key players like Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson are struggling to make an impact, and without the creativity of injured captain Seamus Coleman, the Boys in Green seem more likely to grind out a result through defensive resilience than offensive flair.

As both teams know the consequences of another defeat, there’s little incentive for either to go all-out in attack. Finland’s record of tight contests against Ireland—winning their last two meetings 1-0—further suggests that we’ll be looking at a low-scoring game.

“In matches like these, where both sides are low on confidence and goals, it’s hard to see more than a couple of goals being scored,” said BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick. “Both Finland and Ireland will want to avoid another loss more than they’ll be focused on scoring freely.”

Combine this with Ireland’s woeful goal-scoring form—they’ve failed to score in seven of their last ten outings—and it’s clear why under 2.5 goals is the best bet here. The odds are stacked heavily in favour of a cautious, low-scoring affair, and this could be a frustrating night for those hoping for a goal fest.

Correct Score Prediction: Finland 1-0 Republic of Ireland

Aligning with our bet on a low-scoring encounter, a correct score prediction of 1-0 in favour of Finland seems the most plausible outcome. This mirrors the scoreline from Finland’s last two victories over Ireland in the Nations League, both of which were similarly cagey contests.

Finland, despite their struggles, have the home advantage, and that could make all the difference. Playing in Helsinki, in front of their own fans, may give them just the edge they need to squeeze past an Irish side that lacks firepower. Even with limited offensive threat, the Finns’ ability to remain compact and patient in matches like this often proves decisive.

Ireland, meanwhile, are coming off the back of two 2-0 losses, and their attack has yet to click under Hallgrimsson. While they might create a few chances, it’s hard to see them breaking down a Finnish defence that will be just as desperate to avoid conceding. The Boys in Green have struggled to score on the road in this competition, failing to hit the net in any of their last eight Nations League away games.

Ultimately, Finland’s marginally better form at home, combined with Ireland’s miserable away record, points towards a narrow 1-0 victory for the hosts. It won’t be pretty, but it’s the sort of result both teams will be preparing for.

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