With both sides chasing a first win in this year’s Nations League, here’s our Finland Vs Republic of Ireland predicted lineups and team news ahead of tonight’s game.
As both sides lost their opening two matches, Finland and the Republic of Ireland are up against it to avoid relegation from Nations League B.
The Finns lost 3-0 in Greece before a 2-0 defeat to England at Wembley. Markku Kanerva’s side have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five away games, so will be glad to face the Irish on home turf.
New boss Heimir Hallgrimsson is one defeat away from becoming the first Republic of Ireland manager to lose his first three matches in charge.
They lost 2-0 to Greece, but will be especially reeling after defeat against England in Dublin.
Goals from former Irish internationals Jack Grealish and Declan Rice silenced the Aviva Stadium crowd and left a bitter taste in fans’ mouths.
Head-to-head, Finland and the Republic of Ireland have met seven times. The Finns failed to win any of the first five meetings but achieved back-to-back 1-0 wins in the 2020 Nations League.
Finland Team News
Finland recently changed their shape, abandoning their 4-4-2 formation for a more flexible arrangement.
With more emphasis on attacking fullbacks, Adam Stahl and Manchester City youngster Tomas Galvez played against Greece.
Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky will captain the Finns. All-time top scorer Teemu Pukki will be a familiar name to Premier League fans, with the 34-year-old former Norwich City striker now playing in the MLS with Minnesota United.
Fredrik Jensen scored both goals in the two victories against Ireland in 2020, and could play a role tonight.
Republic of Ireland Team News
For the Irish, there are a number of changes from last month’s squad.
Matt Doherty, Alan Browne, Callum Robinson and Jake O’Brien have all dropped out, whilst Will Smallbone and captain Seamus Coleman are both missing with injuries.
Coleman’s absence could give Watford right-back Festy Ebosele a start, whilst the uncapped duo of Jack Taylor and Mark McGuinness have been called up from the U21s.
Mikey Johnston, Jamie McGrath and Finn Azaz have all been recalled, with Stoke City striker Tom Cannon on standby.
With lots of options to choose from up front Heimir Hallgrimsson can pick from any of Adam Idah, Evan Ferguson, Troy Parrott and Sammie Szmodics.
Finland Vs Republic of Ireland Predicted Lineups:
Finland predicted lineup:
Hradecky; Stahl, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Galvez; Peltola, Schuller; Jensen, Kamara, Antman; Pukki
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup:
Kelleher; Ebosele, Collins, O’Shea, Brady; Molumby, Cullen, Knight; Ogbene, Idah, Szmodics