Finland v Northern Ireland predictions, betting odds and tips: Finnish defence should stand firm
Free expert football tips, best bets and predictions for Finland v Northern Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying Group H on Friday
Where to watch Finland v Northern Ireland
Viaplay Sports 1, 5pm Friday
Best bet
Finland to win to nil
1pt 2-1 bet365
Finland v Northern Ireland odds
Finland 19-20
Northern Ireland 100-30
Draw 12-5
Odds correct at time of publishing
Finland v Northern Ireland team news
Finland
Left-back Jere Uronen is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up and striker Benjamin Kallman could lead the line.
Northern Ireland
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is injured and Shea Charles is suspended after his red card against Slovenia. Paddy McNair returns from a ban but goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Paddy Lane and Brad Lyons have withdrawn from the squad.
Finland v Northern Ireland predictions
Northern Ireland have had a tough Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in Group H with all six of their points, and five of their seven goals, coming in home and away wins over minnows San Marino.
Although Michael O'Neill's men have not been outclassed by section rivals Denmark, Finland, Kazakhstan and Slovenia, losing five of their eight group games by a 1-0 scoreline.
Their struggles in front of goal may continue on their trip to Finland however, who are bound for the playoffs after a run of three straight defeats dashed their hopes of qualifying automatically for next summer's finals.
Like Northern Ireland, the Finns' matches tend to be tight, low-scoring affairs and all three of the goals they conceded in recent home defeats to Denmark and Kazakhstan came in the 77th minute or later.
Under 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in 16 of Finland's last 20 internationals and, with Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky between the sticks, they are worth backing to win to nil against a Northern Ireland side short of attacking quality.
Probable teams
Finland (4-3-3): Hradecky; Jensen, Hoskonen, Ivanov; Soiri, Kairinen, Kamara, Hakans; Pukki, Kallman, Taylor
Northern Ireland (4-5-1): Hazard; Hume, McNair, Ballard, Lewis; Smyth, Thompson, Saville, Price, Taylor; Magennis
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Published on 16 November 2023inEuro 2024
Last updated 14:08, 16 November 2023
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