Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the UEFA Nations League match.
Across two September matches in the Nations League, neither Finland nor the Republic of Ireland managed to earn any points, with neither team finding the back of the net in both games. Their head-to-head encounter in Helsinki is unlikely to be a revealing surprise — both sides are expected to deliver a mediocre attacking performance, as their main aim is to gain an edge over each other.
Finland
Finland have won only once in six matches in 2024, suffering four defeats with an aggregate score of 3:13. Away in Greece (0:3), they produced just 0.21 xG, failing to register a single shot on target over 90 minutes. At Wembley against England (0:2), they were again feeble in attack; the forward duo of Teemu Pukki and Fredrik Jensen offered little to cheer about (0.10 xG and zero shots on target).
Republic of Ireland
Unlike Finland, the Republic of Ireland did not even reach the Euro 2024 qualification playoff round. Over their last three encounters, they suffered defeats to Portugal (0:3), England, and Greece (both 0:2). It seems the coaching staff expected more from the pairing of Evan Ferguson and Sammie Szmodics, who have enjoyed successful spells at club level; however, against Greece, they managed only 0.23 xG with one shot on target.
Finland vs Republic of Ireland Prediction
Back in autumn 2020, Finland defeated Ireland twice in the Nations League, each time by a score of 1:0. It seems the similarly styled opponents in Helsinki are once again likely to provide a match lacking in goals.
