Preview: Finland vs. Northern Ireland – prediction, team news, lineups

Finland will face off with Northern Ireland on Friday, aware that they can’t secure a top-two spot in Group H.

Despite being assured of a playoff place through their UEFA Nations League performances, Northern Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifying run has come to an end.

Match Preview

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Although Finland had managed a four-game winning streak earlier in the group, their last three matches have put them out of the running for the top two spots, failing to score in those games.

However, with upcoming fixtures against Northern Ireland and San Marino, Finland have an opportunity to regain momentum in the final third.

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On the other hand, Northern Ireland, despite losing five of their six matches by slim margins, have also been eliminated from Euro 2024 qualifying.

However, the upcoming fixtures against Finland and Denmark may provide them with a much-needed morale boost.

Team News

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As Finland comes up against the northern Irish team, Jere Uronen, Pyry Soiri, and Benjamin Kallman are possible inclusions to bolster their squad.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland will be without Shea Charles and Jonny Evans on the field.

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.

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