Ireland’s upcoming match against Finland in the UEFA Nations League B is pivotal as both teams look to avoid relegation. Despite recent challenges, Ireland are well-positioned to avoid a loss here.

Their performance against Finland in the reverse fixture was solid, with a crucial 1-0 victory that showcased Ireland’s ability to break down this Finnish side. Finland have been struggling, losing their last four matches while conceding 10 goals and scoring only twice, highlighting both their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking strength.

Ireland, while not at their absolute best, has managed to grind out results at home against stronger teams like Hungary and Belgium this year, showing resilience when it counts. Playing on home turf, they’ll have the crowd’s support and plenty of motivation to avoid relegation. Expect the Republic of Ireland to secure at least a draw, if not a win, in this high-stakes encounter.

Ireland’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has consistently delivered for both Liverpool and his national team. Filling in for the injured Alisson at Liverpool, Kelleher has shown top-class form, which he’s carried into the Nations League, where he made a combined 13 saves in tough matches against Greece and England.

Kelleher’s agility, focus and shot-stopping make him a reliable choice to make multiple saves, especially against a Finland side desperate for a result.

Finland have managed three shots on target in both of their previous matches, indicating there will be opportunities for Kelleher to keep busy. This bet offers solid value as Kelleher’s shot-stopping will be a key factor for Ireland in this critical game.

Sammie Szmodics has emerged as an impactful player for Ireland and Ipswich Town following his summer arrival. After his memorable overhead kick against Tottenham on Sunday, he’s coming into the international break with high confidence and a strong intent to perform for Ireland.

Szmodics has been active on the left wing in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s lineup and has already registered seven shots in the Nations League, including efforts on target against both Finland and England.

Given Finland’s defensive instability and the Irish side’s push for a positive result, Szmodics is well-placed to get at least one shot on target. His recent form and sharp shooting ability make this a solid value bet.

Cracovia’s Benjamin Källman has been a consistent presence in Finland’s attack, with a respectable 7 goals in 25 international appearances. With Topi Keskinen ruled out, Källman is expected to take on a starting role in this must-win Nations League clash against Ireland, where his physical style could play a significant part.

Known for his aggressive play, Källman has already committed four fouls in 168 Nations League minutes, demonstrating his willingness to engage in physical battles.

Notably, he registered fouls in each of his starts in this competition, twice against Greece and once against England in both matches, underscoring his readiness to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. Ireland will bring a tough, combative approach, increasing the likelihood of fouls from Finland’s forward line.

Ireland’s clash against Finland is a must-win to prevent relegation from their UEFA Nations League B group. After their crucial 1-0 victory over Finland in the reverse fixture, the Irish team have shown they can secure results when the stakes are high.

Although their recent form has been mixed, Ireland’s performances at home have been commendable, including a win over Hungary and a hard-fought draw against Belgium.

Meanwhile, Finland’s form has been poor, with four consecutive losses. The home advantage, coupled with the urgency to win, makes this a strong bet. Ireland are highly likely to push for three points to keep their place in League B.

Josh Cullen has been Burnley’s midfield dynamo and Ireland’s most active fouler under manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, leading his national team in fouls during the Nations League. Cullen has made six fouls in just 180 minutes of Nations League play, reflecting his commitment to breaking up play and halting opposition attacks.

In the previous match against Finland, he registered two fouls, and in the game against Greece, he racked up four fouls, showcasing his physical approach against Ireland’s opponents.

Cullen’s tendency to commit fouls has also carried over to his club football at Burnley, where he has committed 16 fouls in his last eight matches. His tough-tackling style and defensive responsibilities make him a prime candidate to foul again in this high-stakes encounter with Finland. Cullen to commit at least one foul in this match offers strong value given his consistent form and midfield responsibilities.

Sammie Szmodics is eagerly searching for his first international goal for Ireland, and his recent performances suggest he’s getting closer. Having joined Ipswich Town, Szmodics has been in excellent form at club level, already scoring three times this season. His last goal, a critical one against Tottenham, underlined his sharpness in front of goal.

Szmodics has also been actively shooting for Ireland, with seven shots taken in the Nations League, some of which came close against both England and Finland.

Given Finland have faced over 50 shots in their last 3 matches they have clear defensive weaknesses and the Irish need to push for goals, Szmodics has a promising chance to score his first international goal. With odds of 3.25, this is a high-value option for a player eager to make his mark.

Djurgarden’s Rasmus Schüller has consistently shown a propensity for fouls, both at the club and international levels. The Finnish midfielder has committed 20 fouls over 1,459 minutes of play, which translates to an average of one foul roughly every 73 minutes. This statistic demonstrates Schüller’s aggressive style and willingness to engage physically, often leading to challenges that cross the line.

In the reverse fixture against Ireland, Schüller committed three fouls, emphasising his role as an enforcer in midfield. Recently, he also fouled three times in Djurgarden’s defeat to Hammarby, indicating he heads into this international match with a familiar foul record. With fouls committed in eight of his last 10 matches, Schüller’s aggressive approach could result in multiple fouls against an Ireland side expected to press forward and dominate possession.

At odds of 1.91 backing Schüller to commit 2 or more fouls offers fantastic value, especially given his recent form and Ireland’s challenging midfield lineup.