Prediction: Northern Ireland vs Finland

Prediction: Match to end in 2-2 draw

Best Odds: 13/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Northern Ireland and Finland will face each other in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group H this weekend. The match between Michael O’Neill’s side and Markku Kanerva’s team will be held at Windsor Park in Belfast and is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Sunday.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland do not have a great footballing history and are not a massive nation, but they have started to make an impact in the game in recent years. Although Northern Ireland have not qualified for the World Cup since 1986, they did reach the Round of 16 at the European Championship in 2016.

Michael O’Neill’s side will fancy their chances of progressing from the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group H. Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino are the other teams in the group. Denmark are the clear favourites to win the group, but Northern Ireland will be determined to end up in the runners-up spot and book their place in the finals.

Northern Ireland will kick off their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group H campaign against San Marino away from home at Stadio Olimpico di San Marino in Serravalle. They lost their last international match 3-1 to Greece away from home, and it followed a 2-1 victory over Kosovo.

Team News:

Jonny Evans will not be available for Northern Ireland against Finland. Paddy McNair could start in central midfield along with George Saville. Conor McManamin is likely to start on the left flank.

Finland

Like Northern Ireland, Finland do not have great footballing history and are not a massive nation. Finland have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, but they did play in the group stage of the UEFA Euro 2020 finals. It was the first ever time that The Eagle-owls had played in the European Championship.

Finland will be aware that Denmark are the clear favourites to win UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group H. However, the runners-up spot is up for grabs. Ending up second in the group will guarantee Finland a place in the UEFA Euro 2024 finals. Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland and San Marino are the other teams in the group.

Markku Kanerva’s side will take on Denmark away from home in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group H game on Thursday. Finland lost 1-0 to Estonia in January 2023, and it came after a 2-0 loss at the hands of Sweden.

Team News:

Augsburg midfielder Fredrik Jensen has recovered from a heel problem and is likely to start. Pukki and Pohjanpalo will be the two players upfront. Hradecky will be in goal for Finland.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Northern Ireland have lost 3 of their last 6 matches.
• Northern Ireland have won 1 of their last 6 games.
• Finland have lost 2 of their last 6 matches.
• Finland have won 1 of their last 6 matches.
• Northern Ireland have drawn 2 of their last 6 games.

Conclusion

The match between Northern Ireland and Finland will be hugely competitive. Both sides are probably evenly matches, and it is very likely that this game will end in a draw.

Prediction: Match to end in 2-2 draw

Best Odds: 13/1

Bookmaker: Betfair