Anticipation is high as Finland hosts England in the UEFA Nations League B on Sunday, 13 October 2024, at 21:30. Both teams have much to prove in this crucial encounter at the Olympiastadion under overcast clouds with an 11°C temperature. Referee Giorgi Kruashvili will officiate the match. England, who are second in the group, need a win to maintain their hopes of returning to Division A.
The Three Lions seek redemption following a surprise 2-1 loss to Greece. Harry Kane’s return from injury is a significant boost, adding firepower to an already star-studded lineup. Finland, struggling at the bottom with no points, aims to improve but faces an uphill battle. Their form is concerning, highlighted by three consecutive losses and a disappointing goal difference of 1:6. Our match prediction favors England, who are highly motivated and have a quality lineup. Bet on England to win with odds of 1.3, aligning with their need for a bounce-back victory.
Finland vs England Prediction & Betting tip
Given the current form and standings of both teams, our recommended bet is for England to win. England is highly motivated to secure a victory after their recent defeat to Greece. On the other hand, Finland has shown poor form, losing all of their last three matches with a goal difference of 1:6. England’s quality lineup, including top scorer Harry Kane, boosts their chances significantly.
| Finland vs England Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| England to win | 1.3 |
- England needs a win to stay in contention for promotion to Division A.
- Finland’s recent performances indicate a struggle, reflected in their poor goal difference.
- England has historically performed well against Finland, adding confidence to this bet.
Finland vs England Odds
England enters this match as the clear favorite, largely due to their superior form and squad depth. The odds reflect this, with England being heavily backed to win. Here’s a breakdown of the betting odds:
| Finland vs England Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Finland | 10.95 |
| Draw | 5.56 |
| England | 1.27 |
England’s odds of 1.27 indicate high confidence in their victory, while Finland’s odds at 10.95 suggest a significant upset would be required for them to win. The draw is also less likely, reflected in the 5.56 odds.
Given these odds, betting markets heavily favor an England win, aligning with their need to bounce back after the recent loss to Greece.
Finland vs England Live Streaming
- The UEFA Nations League live broadcast is present in India with the Sony Sports Network. The Live streaming of the matches is available on the SonyLiv website and app. Fans can watch Finland vs England live streaming on SonyLiv at 9:30 PM on Sunday.
Finland Team Analysis
Finland Recent Performance LLLDL
Finland has struggled in their recent matches, as reflected by their record of three losses, one draw, and one defeat. Their last 5 matches are as follows:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | Ireland | 1-2 (Loss) |
| England | Finland | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Greece | Finland | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Scotland | Finland | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Portugal | Finland | 4-2 (Loss) |
Finland’s form has been poor, failing to keep any clean sheets in their last five games and averaging only 1.00 goal per match. This lack of defensive solidity and offensive firepower has left them at the bottom of the standings with zero points. For Finland, improving at both ends of the pitch will be crucial as they look to turn their fortunes around.
Finland Key Players
Finland will be looking to their key players to step up and make a difference in this challenging fixture against England. Leading the line is Joel Pohjanpalo, the top scorer for Finland with 1 goal in the competition so far. His ability to find the net will be crucial for the home team’s hopes.
In the midfield, Glen Kamara is expected to be an influential figure. Known for his ability to control the game’s tempo, his battle against England’s Declan Rice in the middle of the park will be one to watch.
The expected lineup for Finland is a mix of defensive and attacking talents:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky
- Defenders: Adam Stahl, Arttu Hoskonen, Robert Ivanov, Tomas Galvez
- Midfielders: Leo Walta, Glen Kamara, Rasmus Schuller
- Forwards: Topi Keskinen, Joel Pohjanpalo, Robin Lod
Finland will need these players to perform at their best to challenge a b England side.
Finland Suspensions & Injuries
Finland heads into this crucial UEFA Nations League B match against England without any suspensions, giving them a slight edge in squad selection. However, they are dealing with a significant injury concern that could impact their gameplay.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Håkans | Abdominal injury | Early November 2024 |
Daniel Håkans’s abdominal injury means he’ll miss this important fixture. His absence could be felt in the midfield, where his energy and creativity often make a difference.
Without suspensions, Coach Markku Kanerva has the full roster available, minus Håkans, and will need his other key players to step up. The team must adapt to his absence and ensure they solidify their strategy against a b England side.
Finland Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Joel Pohjanpalo
- Midfield Trio: Leo Walta, Glen Kamara, Rasmus Schuller
- Defensive Line-Up: Tomas Galvez, Robert Ivanov, Arttu Hoskonen, Adam Stahl
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky
Finland, coached by Markku Kanerva, are likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation as they seek to stabilize their performance in the UEFA Nations League B.
Tactical Breakdown:
- Attacking Strategy: Focus on quick counter-attacks, utilizing Joel Pohjanpalo’s finishing abilities and Robin Lod’s agility.
- Midfield Roles: Kamara will serve as the anchorman, connecting defense and attack, while Walta and Schuller support both ends of the pitch.
- Defensive Strength: Although they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last five games, the backline of Galvez, Ivanov, Hoskonen, and Stahl will be crucial in limiting England’s attacking prowess.
Finland needs to adapt without Daniel Håkans, which means others will have to amplify their contributions to outmaneuver a formidable English side.
England Team Analysis
England Recent Performance LWWLW
England’s recent form has been a mixed bag, displaying both resilience and vulnerability. Their last five games showcase three victories and two defeats:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| England | Greece | 1-2 (Loss) |
| England | Finland | 2-0 (Win) |
| Ireland | England | 0-2 (Win) |
| Spain | England | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Netherlands | England | 1-2 (Win) |
England has shown b attacking capabilities, averaging 1.60 goals per game and managing to keep two clean sheets in their last five matches. Their performance against lower-ranked teams has been solid, but inconsistency against opponents remains a concern. Aiming to bounce back after their recent defeat to Greece, England will leverage their squad depth and offensive strength, spearheaded by top scorer Harry Kane.
England Key Players
Expected lineup for England:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Rico Lewis
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Angel Gomes, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Jack Grealish
- Forward: Harry Kane
England’s top scorer, Harry Kane, with 2 goals in the competition, is undoubtedly a key player to watch. His finishing skills and ability to hold up play can be critical in breaking down Finland’s defense.
In midfield, Declan Rice’s defensive acumen and distribution play are pivotal, providing a sturdy shield for the backline and linking play to the attackers. Jack Grealish’s creativity and dribbling ability in the attacking midfield spot can unlock Finland’s defense.
On the wings, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon’s pace and trickery can stretch Finland’s defensive setup, creating opportunities for Harry Kane. The battle on the flank between Palmer and Finland’s left-back, Tomas Galvez, could be especially intriguing.
John Stones’ leadership at the back and Jordan Pickford’s shot-stopping capabilities complete this formidable lineup.
England Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrone Mings | Cruciate ligament injury | Late October 2024 |
| Callum Wilson | Back injury | Mid October 2024 |
| Luke Shaw | Calf Injury | Mid October 2024 |
| Ben White | Leg injury | Doubtful |
| Harry Maguire | Ankle injury | Unknown |
| Ezri Konsa | Pulled muscle | Unknown |
| Morgan Gibbs-White | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Kobbie Mainoo | Muscle injury | A few days |
| Bukayo Saka | Hamstring Injury | Doubtful |
England’s squad has been hit by a series of injuries that could impact their strategy against Finland. Bukayo Saka’s probable absence is a particular concern, leaving the wing positions vulnerable. Harry Maguire and Tyrone Mings’ injuries could challenge the defensive strength, although they still have solid backups like John Stones. Bukayo Saka and Curtis Jones too have returned from the squad with injuries. These absences make depth and tactical flexibility crucial for Coach Lee Carsley.
England Tactics and Formation
England’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Harry Kane
- Midfield Trio: Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and quick transitions to exploit gaps in the opponent’s defense.
Coach Lee Carsley is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a balanced approach between offense and defense. England’s midfield will have the crucial role of maintaining possession and creating opportunities, with Declan Rice acting as a key defensive anchorman.
With Harry Kane leading the attack, England will look to capitalize on Finland’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially given Finland’s poor form and goal difference. Expect England to attack predominantly from the wings, utilizing the pace and creativity of Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer.
Finland vs. England Head-to-Head Statistics
Examining the recent encounters between Finland and England provides insight into their on-field dynamics.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| England | Finland | 2-0 |
| England | Finland | 2-1 |
| Finland | England | 0-0 |
In their last three matchups, England has displayed dominance, securing two wins and a draw. With a notable 2-0 victory in the latest fixture, England has consistently outperformed Finland. These historical results suggest that England has the upper hand, especially considering Finland’s current form and the strength England brings to this encounter.
Venue and Weather
The match between Finland and England will be held at the historic Olympiastadion, a venue known for its grand architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The stadium can accommodate over 70,000 spectators, ensuring an electrifying environment for this crucial UEFA Nations League B clash.
Weather conditions for the evening are predicted to be quite cool, with a temperature of 11°C. The overcast skies and humidity at 59% could slightly affect visibility and ball control, making it essential for players to stay focused. A light breeze at 3.16 m/s might influence long passes and set pieces.
Finland, accustomed to similar climates, may find the weather advantageous, while England’s robust and adaptable squad will need to adjust swiftly to maintain their attacking prowess. Weather considerations and the stadium’s atmosphere will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to this tactical showdown.
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