Republic of Ireland v Finland Odds: Hosts odds-on to repeat Helsinki success on Thursday night

Mark Mothershaw Updated: 14 Nov 24 15:10

The Republic of Ireland will hope to preserve their UEFA Nations League Group B status on Thursday when they play host to Finland at the Aviva Stadium.

Republic of Ireland v Finland Odds

The Emerald Isle have have recorded just three points from their four Group 2 fixtures to date, with a 2-1 success over tonight's opponents sandwiched between a couple of 2-0 losses to Greece, as well as defeat to England.

It's been a far from ideal start to life in the Irish managerial hot seat for Icelander Heimir Hallgrímsson, who will be desperate to taste a home victory for the first time since taking over the reins from Stephen Kenny earlier this year.

A victory or draw against the Fins would mean Ireland avoid slipping straight through the Group B trap door, although they would still need to overcome one of Group C's second placed teams in a relegation play-off next year to cement their second-tier position.

Hallgrímsson can take heart from the fact that his charges did overcome Finland last month where goals from Liam Scales and Robbie Brady helped overturn a 1-0 deficit in Helsinki.

Ireland can be backed at a BOOSTED price of 9/1 to repeat their 2-1 victory on Thursday, although they have endured major challenges in hitting the back of the net in their own back yard.

Surprisingly, they have failed to net in eight of their last 10 home UEFA Nations League fixtures, whilst they have won just one of their last eight fixtures in all competitions at the Aviva Stadium - a 2-1 friendly success over Hungary back in June.

The hosts have made a number of changes to their squad for the upcoming clashes with Finland and England, with the recalled Tom Cannon hoping to add to his solitary cap and address his country's frailties in front of goal.

The 21-year-old, who is on loan at Stoke City, has scored seven times in his last nine appearances for the Potters, including a remarkable four-goal haul against Portsmouth in October, and is the 9/4 favourite to score at any time in this particular clash.

(Odds will display when market is available).