Greece vs Finland Predictions

Greece vs Finland predictions ahead of this Nations League clash. Greece host Finland at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus on Saturday for matchday one of the new UEFA Nations League campaign, both teams eager to start with a strong performance. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.

Nations League | League B | Sep 7, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki

Greece vs Finland Predictions

Will Greece or Finland Set the Tone in Their Nations League Opener?

• Finland have scored in 12 of their last 13 competitive away matches.
• Greece have lost just one of their last 12 home games across all competitions.
• Both teams have found the net in six of Finland’s last seven games.

Best Bet

Greece will kick off their UEFA Nations League B campaign against Finland at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, aiming to rebuild after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying run. This match marks a fresh start under new manager Ivan Jovanovic, who is tasked with leading the Greeks to revive their international standing. On the other hand, Finland, also looking for redemption following a heavy defeat to Wales, will aim to maintain their competitive edge at this level, setting up a fascinating encounter between two teams with something to prove.

A look at the recent form of both Greece and Finland suggests that backing both teams to score (BTTS) is the most compelling bet for this match. Greece may have been defensively solid at times, conceding an average of just 0.8 goals per game in recent competitions, but they now face a Finnish side that has shown attacking flair in recent matches. Finland’s most recent form includes a 2-2 draw with Scotland and a 4-2 defeat in Portugal, which showcases their ability to find the net but also their vulnerability at the back.

Greece, under new leadership, will look to adopt a more forward-thinking approach, with the likes of Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line. Pavlidis has been in excellent form for his club, and his transition to Benfica should only enhance his confidence on the international stage. Alongside Masouras and Tzolis, the Greek frontline will likely have enough creativity to breach Finland’s defence, which conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game in Euro qualifiers.

On the flip side, Finland’s recent scoring record is encouraging for those backing both teams to get on the scoresheet. They have scored in all but one of their last 13 competitive away games, and the presence of Teemu Pukki, Finland’s all-time leading scorer, further strengthens their attack. Despite missing key players like Daniel Hakans, Finland’s strength lies in their unpredictability, and with players like Antman and Pohjanpalo, they have enough firepower to trouble Greece’s backline.

Defensive weaknesses on both sides cannot be ignored. Finland’s last seven games have seen both teams score, which suggests that even if they don’t play as openly as in their previous encounters, they are likely to create chances. Greece’s own defensive setup has been inconsistent, with significant changes in personnel, particularly at right-back and centre-back, adding to their vulnerability. BettingTips4You.com expert Robin Bylund summarises:

“Both teams have enough attacking quality to find the net, and recent defensive inconsistencies make BTTS the standout bet here, especially given Finland’s form on the road.”

Correct Score Prediction: Greece 2-1 Finland

Following the logic of our best bet, the correct score prediction aligns with a narrow Greece victory, 2-1. Greece have been strong at home, losing just one of their last 12 matches, and this resilience combined with Finland’s propensity for conceding goals suggests that the hosts can edge this contest.

Greece’s attacking play is likely to be more cohesive under Jovanovic, and Pavlidis will be a key figure. His link-up with Bakasetas and Pelkas in midfield could unlock a Finnish defence that has shown cracks, conceding 14 goals in their last 11 matches. However, Finland’s offensive prowess, led by Pukki and Antman, is likely to yield at least one goal, especially against a Greek defence still in transition.

Finland’s defensive struggles, particularly against stronger sides like Portugal, make it difficult to see them holding Greece at bay for the full 90 minutes. Greece should be able to capitalise on home advantage and come away with a win, albeit in a closely contested match.

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