Finland square off against Northern Ireland on Friday knowing that they are already out of reach of a top-two spot in Group H.

While the home side are already assured of a playoff place through their UEFA Nations League performances, Northern Ireland have been eliminated from Euro 2024 qualifying.

Match preview

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Having put together a four-game winning streak earlier in the group, Finland looked primed to seal automatic qualification through to next year's finals.

Instead, a three-match losing run has left Markku Kanerva's team out of the running for the top two, with games being lost against each of the teams above them.

Despite having the backup of a playoff place, Kanerva will be disappointed with their results versus Denmark, Slovenia and Kazakhstan, scoring just one goal in the process.

Nevertheless, fixtures against Northern Ireland and San Marino provide Finland with an opportunity to rediscover some form in the final third.

Furthermore, the aforementioned four-match period of victories are their only successes in 12 outings, highlighting that they will be one of the underdogs in the playoffs.

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Michael O'Neill will probably wonder how his Northern Ireland side are not closer to Finland in the table given the manner of the games that they have lost.

Incredibly, five of Northern Ireland's six defeats have been by one-goal margins, with the latest of those coming at home to second-placed Slovenia on October 17.

While O'Neill would have recognised that he was signing up to a rebuilding project, losing every other game aside from the San Marino fixtures is a hugely disappointing effort.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to play against Finland and Denmark without pressure may benefit them at a time when they need a genuine lift before fixtures in 2024.

Team News

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Having slipped up against Kazakhstan, the expectation is that Kanerva will tinker with his Finland XI for this contest.

Jere Uronen could be restored in defence or at left wing-back to bring some more experience into that area, while Pyry Soiri may be included on the opposite flank.

Benjamin Kallman is an option down the centre of the attack if Kanerva wants to hand a younger forward in the squad an opportunity.

O'Neill will be unable to call upon Shea Charles after he was sent off during the defeat to Slovenia in October.

Jonny Evans is also a notable absentee for Northern Ireland through injury, with the Manchester United defender being joined by the late withdrawals of Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Paddy Lane and Brad Lyons.

Paddy McNair, having returned from a ban, will line up at right-back, centre-back or in central midfield.

Finland possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Jensen, Hoskonen, Ivanov; Soiri, Kairinen, Kamara, Hakans; Pukki, Kallman, Taylor

Northern Ireland possible starting lineup:
Hazard; Hume, McNair, Ballard, Lewis; Smyth, Thompson, Saville, Price, Taylor; Magennis

We say: Finland 3-1 Northern Ireland

O'Neil will be demanding that his players finally get over the line against opposition who they will not consider to be of any added quality to themselves. Nevertheless, we cannot back against Finland on home territory, leading us to predict a fairly comfortable win courtesy of goals during the final quarter.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Darren Plant

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