Predictions Nations League - Finland vs Republic of Ireland

Nations League -  Finland vs Republic of Ireland
Match Time: 11-10-2024 01:45 Friday (GMT+7)
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There is already a six-point gap between the top two and the bottom two in Group 3, as England and Greece lead the way after both won twice last month, leaving Finland and the Republic of Ireland with a big task to avoid either direct demotion or a relegation playoff.

The Finns entered another season under the management of long-serving head coach Markku Kanerva, who led his nation to Euro 2020 and has since kept them afloat in the Nations League's second tier.

However, the Nordic nation suffered a major setback at the start of their third straight League B campaign, losing 3-0 in Greece while producing just one shot on target.

That was followed by a 2-0 defeat to England at Wembley Stadium, which left Kanerva's side propping up the four-team standings.

Each of Finland's last five away games has seen them ship at least two goals, so they will surely breathe a sigh of relief to be back on home soil, where a weekend clash with England follows Ireland's visit.

After failing to win any of their first five meetings with Thursday's opponents, the Finns have since won back-to-back games against their Irish counterparts - both by a 1-0 scoreline in the 2020-21 Nations League.

With two home defeats already, relegation must be a serious concern for the Republic of Ireland, who are only above Finland in the table by virtue of a slightly less lousy goal difference.

After losing to England in Dublin - with goals from former 'Boys in Green' Declan Rice and Jack Grealish rubbing salt into the wound - they went on to concede twice in the second half of a 2-0 reverse against Greece.

Now, new boss Heimir Hallgrimsson stands in distinct danger of becoming the first Ireland manager to lose each of their first three competitive games in charge.

His first camp brought no points, no goals and very few chances, as the Republic dropped closer to an all-time low in the FIFA world rankings: over the past four years, they have slid from 34th down to 62nd, with 70th spot being their worst-ever placing.

Under Hallgrimsson, interim coach John O'Shea and former manager Stephen Kenny, Ireland have suffered 10 defeats in their last 15 matches, with only three ending in victory - two of which came against Gibraltar.

After three straight third-place finishes in League B groups, the Boys in Green are therefore in danger of finally falling through the trapdoor, unless they can start a revival by taking points off Finland.

That may be easier said than done, as Ireland have failed to even score in 12 of their 18 Nations League matches to date, while going winless through all eight away games.

Prediction: Finland 1-1 Republic of Ireland