Ireland vs Finland Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League, November 14, 2024

Preview

• Date: Thursday, November 14
• Kick-off Time: 7:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

Matchday five of the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 will include Ireland and Finland meeting each other at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday evening. The two nations are unfortunately struggling at the bottom of the group. Ireland is in third place with just three points from four games while Finland is extraordinarily yet to open its account. As it stands, neither of the two nations will be able to earn a promotion with Finland also on the verge of a direct relegation to the third tier.

The Ireland Football Federation will be massively disappointed with recent results. In the last six games, the Irish have collected just a couple of victories and suffered four defeats in the process. Statistics present a fair assessment of Ireland’s challenging time, having not scored in two home matches and also having not kept a clean sheet in seven outings. Promotion to the top tier is all but ruled out for Ireland but the upcoming games will be crucial for the future of Ireland football.

Somehow, the form of Finland has been even worse than Ireland. Finland has accumulated five defeats and a draw in the last six matches. During this period, the national team has scored six goals and conceded a staggering 16 goals. Finland’s last victory traces back to March against Estonia. Attacking output has been a huge concern and will remain the same against Ireland, with Finland goalless in two away matches. Finland is ranked 66th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Ireland National Football Team News

Experienced and reliable campaigner, Seamus Coleman will not be available against Finland. The Evertonian defender is recovering from a hamstring injury and will be out until the end of the month.

Finland National Football Team News

For the Finland National Team, Rasmus Schüller is the only name on the injury list currently. Markku Kanerva prefers to adopt a conservative approach with a 5-4-1 formation.

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Ireland vs Finland Predicted Lineups

Ireland National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Kelleher

Defenders: O’Shea, Collins, Scales, Brady

Midfielders: Ogbene, Cullen, Knight, Szmodics

Forwards: Ferguson, Parrott

Finland National Football Team Predicted Lineup (5-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Hradecky

Defenders: Alho, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Peltola, Uronen

Midfielders: Jensen, Kamara, Walta, Keskinen

Forwards: Kallman

Ireland vs Finland H2H Record

The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 2-1 victory for Ireland. Overall, in the last five head-to-head meetings between Ireland and Finland, the former has won three matches and the latter has won two.

Key Players to Watch in Ireland vs Finland

Evan Ferguson (Ireland)

Evan Ferguson is regarded as one of the most promising strikers in European football. The 20-year-old plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Ferguson has just a single goal in the league so far but his importance for Ireland cannot be undermined. He made his debut for his country in 2022 and has three goals to his name.

Caoimhin Kelleher (Ireland)

Caoimhin Kelleher would not have expected the minutes he has received this season for his club, Liverpool. Initially designated as a backup for Alisson Becker, Kelleher has benefitted from the Brazilian’s injury and kept two clean sheets in the Premier League. He has been a big reason for Liverpool’s strong defence this campaign and will be required to do so until Alisson returns. Kelleher will be busy against Finland and is expected to live up to the expectations.

Ireland vs Finland Prediction

Ireland is the slight favourite to earn the victory on Thursday against Finland. A positive result for the visitors is off the cards.

Predicted Score: Ireland 2-1 Finland

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Where to watch Ireland vs Finland Live?

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