Republic of Ireland host Finland in a crucial 2024-25 UEFA Nations League B2 clash.
Victory would see Ireland secure a relegation play-off spot and automatically relegate Finland, whilst the Finnish must avoid defeat to keep their survival hopes alive.
Team News
Seamus Coleman has withdrawn from Ireland’s squad due to a hamstring injury.
Shane Duffy and Adam Idah have also pulled out due to injuries.
Finland have no injury issues with a full squad set to be available for selection.
When is Kick-Off?
Ireland host Finland at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Thursday 14 November at 7:45pm GMT, live on Viaplay YouTube Channel in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Ireland have won one of three previous Nations League meetings against Finland (W1, L2), which came in the reverse fixture in October 2024 by 2-1 result.
- Finland won 1-0 on their only previous Nations League visit to Ireland in September 2020.
- All three of Ireland’s previous Nations League meetings against Finland were settled by one-goal margin – of which Finland’s two wins were by 1-0 results.
- Ireland have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven games in all competitions (W2, L5).
- Finland conceded five goals without reply in their first two away matches in this group.
Prediction
Although wins have been difficult to come by for Ireland, they really should view this as winnable if want to avoid the threat of automatic relegation going into their final group game away to England.
Finland meanwhile know that victory is imperative realistically if want to avoid the automatic drop into League C, especially with Greece to come so I do expect them to come out fighting and try to score first.
Ireland therefore can afford to sit back a bit and invite that pressure but if they concede first, they will need to dig deep to change momentum which hasn’t often come until too late in this group.
Nevertheless, I can see this game being close and wouldn’t be surprised if this somehow finishes all-square.
Prediction: ROI 1-1 Finland
Result: ROI 1-0 Finland