Finland will host Northern Ireland with both teams out of contention for a Euro 2024 qualifying spot. Due to their UEFA Nations League accomplishments, the home team has already secured a postseason spot. Nevertheless, Northern Ireland has been eliminated from the Euro 2024 qualifying process.
Preview (Finland vs. Northern Ireland)
After winning four straight games earlier in the group, Finland appeared to be in a strong position to advance automatically to the finals the following year. They have dropped games against every side above them. Markku Kanerva’s team has gone on a three-match losing streak that has eliminated them from contention for the top two. They have scored just one goal while only having the fallback option of a playoff spot. However, Finland has a chance to regain some form in the last third. They have matches against Northern Ireland and San Marino.
Moreover, the aforementioned four-game winning streak represents their only triumph in 12 games. They will be among the underdogs in the playoffs. Given the way his team has lost their games, Michael O’Neill will undoubtedly be wondering why his Northern Ireland team is not closer to Finland in the standings. Surprisingly, five of Northern Ireland’s six losses have come by one goal. Their most recent one occurred on October 17 at home against Slovenia, who are currently in second position.
Except for the San Marino games, O’Neill would have known that he was embarking on a rebuilding project. They have losing every other game is an incredibly dismal effort. However, they might profit from the chance to play against Denmark and Finland without any pressure. They really need a boost before the 2024 matches.
Team News
Given that Finland lost to Kazakhstan, it is anticipated that Kanerva will make changes to his starting lineup for this match. Pyry Soiri might be added on the other flank, and Jere Uronen might be brought back in defense or at left wing-back to add some more experience there. If Kanerva wishes to give a younger forward in the team a chance, Benjamin Kallman is a viable alternative down the center of the attack.
Shea Charles was sent off during the October defeat to Slovenia, thus O’Neill won’t be allowed to use him. Due to injury, Jonny Evans is another major absence for Northern Ireland, which increases the chance that George Saville and Daniel Ballard may return to the starting lineup. After serving his suspension, Paddy McNair will start at right back, center defense, or in central midfield.
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