EURO qualification continues in Group H on Friday, as Finland and Northern Ireland both look to bounce back into form. Both nations come into this fixture in poor recent form, and there will be pressure on the hosts to respond ahead of their crucial playoff early next year.
EURO 2024 Qualifier Preview
It has been a disappointing qualification campaign for both Finland and Northern Ireland, as both have already been eliminated in their chase to finish in one of the top two qualifying spots. However, there will be greater pressure on Finland to bounce back to winning ways this week, as they have a huge playoff to look forward to in the New Year.
Finland have won four of their eight matches in Group H, but they are seven points adrift of the top two spots after losing four matches in the group stage campaign. Their recent form would also be a pressing concern, as they have suffered defeats in each of their previous three matches. Their most recent loss was suffered at home, as they were edged out by Kazakhstan in October.
Northern Ireland have been one of the biggest disappointments in the qualification campaign, as they have gone down without much of a fight. They sit fifth in the Group H standings, and they have recorded just two wins from their eight matches. Aside from San Marino, they boast the poorest attacking record in the group, having scored just seven goals to this point.
Their issues were evident once again in the previous international break, as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Slovenia. Ireland managed just two shots on target in that loss, and they will be without Shea Charles this weekend after the star received a red card in that previous international.
Finland vs Northern Ireland Head to Head
Northern Ireland have won four and lost four of their previous ten internationals against Finland. However, Finland’s 1-0 win in March was their first victory against their rivals in four matches since a 1-0 away success in February 2003. Two of the previous three meetings have ended in draws.
Finland vs Northern Ireland Prediction
It has been a disappointing qualification campaign for both of these nations, but the increased pressure on the hosts could spark a response. Therefore, we will be siding with a victory for Finland on Friday evening.
Make sure to bet on Finland vs Northern Ireland with 22Bet!
Bet here
