Finland vs Greece Predictions

Finland are heading into this clash looking to carry on some strong form, which has seen them win their last three games. They are hoping to secure a spot at Euro 2020, while they have a huge looming fixture with Italy. Given what is on the line for the hosts, they need a result from this clash with Greece. However, the visitors are in the last-chance saloon when it comes to the Euros, so can they produce a surprise result in this trip?

Finland currently have a three-point lead after four games in this group. They kicked off with a loss to Italy, but they will be confident of securing second after winning their three subsequent qualifiers. They have a five-point lead over Greece with only six matches left to play, so the visitors will need to get their act together or risk missing out on the tournament.

However, Greece face a daunting trip here. The visitors head into this game in poor form, as their only win in their last six came against Liechtenstein. In their last four games, the Greeks have conceded at least two goals in each, having shipped six goals in their home doubleheader last time out. They have also conceded twice in five of their last seven games on the road overall. To make matters worse, Finland have scored twice in their last three games, while they’ve got a rising Premier League star in their ranks.

Finland come here with the added firepower of Teemu Pukki, who has scored three goals in three games in this group. The forward has scored nine times in his last seven competitive matches, while he is comfortably the most established attacking player on the pitch. He’s likely to make life tough for the Greek defence, while we expect him to continue his high scoring form with his country. The striker is good value to score anytime in our eyes, while we expect him to play a big part up front for his country.

Finland were able to claim a 2-0 win at home to Greece in the Nations League and we expect them to follow up on that here. They have scored eight times in their last three home clashes with Greece, so we see value in over 1.5 home team goals given that Pukki is very much in form. Greece would love a forward like Pukki, as their four strikers have a combined 15 caps, with none of them scoring at this level before. In fact, between midfield and attack, the Greeks have just 10 international goals, with no player hitting more than three.

Finland have eight clean sheets in their last nine home games, while they’ve won their last three qualifiers 2-0. We’re backing the hosts to win to nil at home once again, while we’re also backing another 2-0 success for the hosts.