Ireland can secure safety in Division B with win on Thursday night
Ireland will host Finland to complete their home fixtures in this years UEFA Nations League, with a 7:45pm kickoff time in the Aviva Stadium. There has been some restructuring to the previously announced squad, with Seamus Coleman, Adam Idah and Shane Duffy being withdrawn due to injury.
They have been replaced by the trio of Ryan Manning, Jake O’Brien and Matt Doherty.
Ireland’s only win so far in the competition has come against the Finns – leaving them third in the four team group – only ahead of their upcoming opponents, who have lost all four of their games.
Many of Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad come into the game in good form, notably Sammie Szmodics who delivered a wonderful bicycle kick in Ipswich Town’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Another player in fine form is Finn Azaz, with two goals and one assist in his last outing for Middlesbrough bringing him up to three of each in his last five games.
Caoimhín Kelleher was also named in the Premier League team of the week, adding to a host of positives for the Irish contingent heading into their contest with Finland.
Someone The Boys in Green will have to watch for Joel Pohjanpalo, who has one goal to his name in the Nations League and four in 10 appearances in Serie A for Venezia. The Finnish striker is the biggest threat to Ireland’s chances of victory this Thursday.
This contest is followed by a trip to Wembley to play England on Sunday, who notably have had eight players withdraw from their squad.
The game is being shown on RTE Two, with coverage starting at 7pm. Tickets for the game in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin can be purchased here.