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Neither Finland nor Republic of Ireland are yet to pick up a single point so far, having each lost their opening two group games without scoring.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Thursday October 10th 2024: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not Televised / US – FOX Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Viaplay International YouTube Channel / US – FOX Sports streaming platforms
FINLAND PREVIEW: GOAL DIFFERENCE SEES FINLAND BOTTOM AFTER CONSECUTIVE DEFEATS
Finland have played two, lost two and conceded five goals, one more than that of their opponents which puts them bottom of the table. Only victory here would move the hosts above Republic of Ireland and this certainly falls into the winnable category when taking into account the defensive and offensive struggles of the opposition.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND PREVIEW: HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT SO FAR FOR BOYS IN GREEN
Republic of Ireland were beaten twice across the previous international break, losing to both England and Greece by a scoreline of two goals to nil. Neither contest saw them threaten the opposition goal enough, whilst keeping a clean sheet themselves was out of the question. This is a weak Republic of Ireland squad compared to previous years and it is definitely shown across this year’s Nations League campaign.
FINLAND TEAM NEWS: TOPI KESKINEN COULD BE AFFORDED SECOND START IN A ROW
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Hradecky; Stahl, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Galvez; Peltola, Schuller; Keskinen, Kamara, Antman; Pukki
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TEAM NEWS: CULLEN BACK IN SQUAD, COLEMAN OUT
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Kelleher; Ebosele, Collins, O'Shea, Brady; Molumby, Cullen, Knight; Ogbene, Ferguson, Szmodics
UNAVAILABLE: Coleman (Injured), Smallbone (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
FINLAND VS REPUBLIC OF IRELAND PREDICTION
Both Finland and Republic of Ireland are each in dire need of victory when taking into account their respective starts in Group 2. Neither have scored a single goal, let alone gained a point and improving their attacking output will surely be prioritised. It would be no surprise to see the pair each deploy ultra-offensive styles of play, taking more risks in what will be seen as a winnable game within both camps. Therefore, both teams to score may be on the cards and should be backed as appropriate.
FINLAND VS REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE