Prediction: Finland vs Wales

Prediction: Finland win

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Betfair

European football is slowly but surely starting to return with a brand new season after an incredibly short absence, but for the next few days, the international game is going to become the core focal point – and that means the return of the UEFA Nations League. Finland and Wales will be clashing heads later on this week in what many consider to be a hyped up friendly, but with UEFA Euro 2021 coming up next season, this could be an important psychological edge for the winner.

Finland

Finland’s journey to their first European Championship started off well, but they did wind up limping over the finish line ever so lightly. Back at the start of September they edged past Greece 1-0, only to fall to consecutive losses against Italy and Bosnia & Herzegovina. They did bounce back with two more wins against Armenia and Liechtenstein but in their rematch against Greece in November, they were unable to do the double as they lost 2-1 to the 2004 champions.

Team News

The expectation is that Finland will have the chance to start their strongest possible starting XI, which could see Pukki go up against a handful of players that he met during his lone season in the Premier League with Norwich.

Wales

Wales needed to step up in their push to qualify for UEFA Euro 2021 – and they did just that. They saw off the challenge of Azerbaijan and Belarus in a matter of days, and then in October, they picked up two respectable draws against tough opponents in Slovaia and Croatia. They confirmed their spot in the dance with another win over Azerbaijan and a solid 2-0 triumph over Hungary.

Team News

The unfortunate thing for Wales is that they do have a few absences they’ll have to deal with during this international break. Aaron Ramsey, Tyler Roberts, Ashley Williams, and David Brooks will all be missing out on the tie, although Liverpool youngster Neco Williams should have a chance to prove himself – so long as his Community Shield performance didn’t do too much damage to his brand.

Factors to Consider

• Wales and Finland have both already qualified for UEFA Euro 2020.
• Finland have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Wales have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Finland have scored 10 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Wales have scored nine goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

International football hasn’t exactly been at the top of the priority list for the majority of 2020, and with the new domestic season being right around the corner, we think this is going to be a pretty tense affair. It probably isn’t going to be the most technically sound game of the international break but there are some talented players on either side of the coin, and we’re predicting that Finland will be the ones to come away with a morale boosting 2-1 victory.

Prediction: Finland win

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Betfair