Ireland currently sits third in Group 2 of League B in the Nations League, six points behind the second-place team. With a three-point cushion over the last-place side, Ireland is focused on securing its position to avoid direct relegation and possibly enter a relegation play-off.
So far, they’ve managed just one win—a 2-1 victory over Finland in October—while losing to England (0-2) and Greece twice (0-2 and 2-0).
Finland, however, is at the bottom of the group with zero points from four games, urgently needing a win to stay in contention for third place and avoid relegation to League C.
The Scandinavian side has struggled throughout the campaign, losing to Greece (3-0), England (2-0 and 1-3), and Ireland (1-2).
Ireland will be without several key players, including defenders Doherty and Omobamidele, midfielders Brady and McGrath, and forwards Ogbene and Robinson. In attack, young talents Ferguson and Parrott are expected to step up, while Kelleher is set to remain strong in goal. Experienced defenders O’Shea and Collins will lead Ireland’s backline.
Finland also faces absences, missing defenders Galvez and Stahl, midfielder Valta, and forwards Jensen, Keskinen, and Haarala. Pohjanpalo, who scored in their previous meeting with Ireland, is expected to lead the attack, supported by midfielder Kamara, while veteran goalkeeper Hradecky will guard the net.
Prediction
Finland’s recent away games in the Nations League have generally been low-scoring, often with at least one clean sheet. Similarly, most of Ireland’s recent home games have seen at least one team fail to score. This trend may continue here.
Prediction: Ireland 0 : 1 Finland
