Republic of Ireland vs Finland Predictions

Republic of Ireland vs Finland predictions for Sunday’s Nations League B Group 4 tussle. The Republic of Ireland host Finland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening in their penultimate UEFA Nations League League B Group 2 fixture. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Nations League | Nov 14, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Aviva Stadium

Republic of Ireland vs Finland Predictions

Can Ireland Dominate Finland Again and Secure Nations League Survival at Home?

• Home Advantage in Ireland’s Favour
  • Ireland have won just once in their last four Nations League matches, yet their one triumph was against Finland, showing a psychological edge when it matters most.
• Finland’s Defence Crumbles on the Road
  • Finland have conceded 15 goals across five away games in 2024, showcasing significant frailties that Ireland are primed to exploit in Dublin.
• Goals Dry Up for Finland
  • With only two goals in their four Nations League outings, Finland have struggled to create consistent scoring chances, making a clean sheet for Ireland more probable in this matchup.

Our Tips

In a clash with serious implications for both teams, the Republic of Ireland and Finland meet once again in Dublin on Thursday evening for their UEFA Nations League Group B2 matchup. This fixture not only reignites a budding rivalry but also serves as a critical juncture for both nations as they fight to avoid relegation to League C. Ireland, coming off a mixed run since the appointment of manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, currently hover just above the drop zone, with their hopes pinned on avoiding a last-minute disaster in front of the home crowd. A victory in this penultimate group match could offer some respite from the uncertainty, especially given their recent 2-1 triumph over Finland in Helsinki.

For Finland, who have endured a particularly dismal campaign, the stakes are even higher. Manager Markku Kanerva’s squad are winless in Group B2, with four straight losses weighing heavily on their ambitions to remain in League B. The Finns not only face the challenge of lifting themselves off the bottom but also the added pressure of avoiding their fifth consecutive defeat—a record not seen since 1994. With pride and position on the line, expect a tense, hard-fought battle under the lights in Dublin.

Best Bet: Republic of Ireland to Win

As things stand, Ireland appear the stronger side heading into this encounter. The Republic of Ireland’s recent head-to-head success over Finland, including the 2-1 victory in Helsinki, highlights a newfound tenacity under Hallgrímsson’s guidance, despite a rocky start for the Icelandic manager. That victory wasn’t just a flash in the pan; it underscored the Irish squad’s ability to grind out results against sides who have struggled for consistency. Finland’s abysmal away record in 2024, having conceded 15 goals in just five matches, lends further credence to backing an Irish win on home soil.

Ireland’s squad, though weakened by injuries to Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, and Robbie Brady, has depth, particularly in its attacking options. Evan Ferguson, alongside Troy Parrott and Sammie Szmodics, promises a dynamic threat up front, with Josh Cullen and Jason Knight stabilising the midfield. Ireland’s creative play is driven by Mikey Johnston, who has shown potential in linking midfield and attack, an essential element for breaking down Finland’s vulnerable backline. According to BettingTips4You’s Expert Rating, Ireland’s lineup holds a slight advantage in form and cohesion, particularly in the final third, a critical factor given Finland’s defensive woes.

Conversely, Finland’s defence appears fragile, with a series of collapses exposing their vulnerability under pressure. The absence of pivotal squad members such as Fredrik Jensen and Topi Keskinen further weakens their setup, leaving gaps that Ireland are well-equipped to exploit. While Finland can call upon the experience of veteran goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and striker Teemu Pukki, their impact has been limited in a side struggling to maintain composure. In fact, Finland have failed to hold onto a lead, even when they initially found themselves in promising positions, as seen when they allowed a one-goal advantage to slip in the previous fixture against Ireland.

BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick summarised the outlook: “Ireland’s recent win over Finland and Finland’s struggles on the road make it hard to see past an Irish victory on home turf. Ireland’s attack may not be the most prolific, but against a Finnish defence that has leaked goals all season, there’s a strong case for a home win. The Aviva Stadium crowd will play its part too—expect that Dublin roar to make a difference.”

With all these factors aligning, Ireland look well-poised to claim victory, edging closer to securing their place in League B for another campaign. Backing them to win seems a sound bet given their form, Finland’s ongoing slump, and the undeniable psychological advantage they carry into this contest.

Correct Score Prediction: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Finland

A close but low-scoring affair feels likely, with Ireland emerging as 2-0 victors in front of their fans at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland’s scoring record may not be spectacular, yet this Finnish side has shown little resilience in their defensive structure, which makes conceding multiple goals a genuine risk for them. Given Finland’s inconsistency in front of goal—having failed to score before half-time in five of their last six matches—the odds are stacked against them finding the net in Dublin.

This anticipated scoreline complements our main prediction of an Irish win, allowing for a degree of cautious optimism in Ireland’s offence while still accounting for Finland’s lapses in defence. With a stabilised defence featuring Matt Doherty, Jake O’Brien, and Ryan Manning, the Irish backline should be capable of handling Finland’s sporadic forward threats, especially as Ireland will seek to avoid the mistakes that cost them against Greece.

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