Prediction: Finland vs Northern Ireland

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two camps who are simply seeking a EURO 24 qualifying boost on Friday evening, Northern Ireland will travel to Helsinki when they meet Finland.

Finland

Starting with the hosts, while Finland might have opened their EURO 24 qualifying adventure in the midst of a remarkable purple patch, the Eagle Owls have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Despite initially having their sights set on booking a major tournament return, Markku Kanerva’s men appear to be limping their way over the finish line. Last seen signing off October with a 2-1 loss at home against Kazakhstan, Finland have lost each of their previous three Group H appearances on the spin. With their recent issues highlighted by a woeful 3-0 drumming at the hands of Slovenia last month, Friday’s hosts should also be concerned by their extended issues on home soil. Including back-to-back defeats against Kazakhstan and Denmark, Kanerva’s side have won just a pair of their previous six showdowns in Helsinki.

Team News

Signing off his first MLS campaign with seven goals in his final five appearances, ex-Norwich striker Teemu Pukki will spearhead Finland’s charge on Friday evening. Despite dealing with a minor injury issue earlier in the month, Inter Miami’s Robert Taylor should partner Pukki in the final third here.

Continuing to impress since arriving at Championship outfit Leeds over the summer, former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is set to earn a 57th international cap in midweek.

Northern Ireland

As for the visitors, last seen signing off October’s international break with another toothless performance as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Slovenia, it is no secret that Northern Ireland have endured a major qualifying nightmare this year. With Michael O’Neil coming under increasing scrutiny, the Greens have the feel of a squad simply seeking a crucial boost here. Losing seven of their previous eight Group H appearances, the one-time Stoke boss will also have a real headache over his side’s rather glaring struggles on foreign soil. In fact, along with losing each of their previous three contests outside of Belfast by an aggregate score of 6-2, Northern Ireland have also recorded just a single away victory over the past 20 months. Likewise, hit with a 1-0 defeat when they welcomed Finland to town back on March 26th, O’Neil’s side could face another tricky test in midweek.

Team News

In what is a massive blow to Northern Ireland on Friday night, the Greens will be unable to call upon skipper and Manchester United defender Johnny Evans. Likewise, O’Neil’s men are also likely to be without former Leeds goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Despite dealing with a recent hamstring injury, QPR’s Paul Symth has been called up to O’Neil’s squad. Rangers winger Ross McCausland is also expected to feature on Friday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Group H meeting on March 26th, Finland picked up a 1-0 victory in Belfast.
• However, Friday’s hosts have lost each of their previous three qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 7-1.
• Likewise, Northern Ireland have lost six of their last seven qualifying appearances.
• O’Neil’s side have recorded just a single victory on foreign soil over the past 20 months.
• On a similar note, Finland have won just a pair of their previous six appearances in Helsinki across all competitions.

Conclusion

Two sides who are simply seeking a crucial qualifying boost on Friday evening, neutrals could be treated to a cagey affair from Helsinki. With Northern Ireland enduring a public Group H nightmare this year, the Greens should also be concerned by their most recent showdown against Friday’s hosts. However, although Kanerva’s men might have clinched a 1-0 victory when they travelled to Belfast back on March 26th, we are expecting chances to come at a real premium here.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet