Wales v Finland: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Wales and Finland are just two steps away from earning a place in the Euros and the Racing Post's Dan Childs has picked out his three best bets for the clash at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Wales finished third in qualifying Group D with just two defeats from eight games.

However, they will have plenty of respect for Finland, who won six of ten matches to finish third in qualifying Group H.

Wales go into the contest as favourites and are 2/5 to advance to next Tuesday's Path A final at home to either Poland or Estonia.

Rob Page's side are 17/20 to get the job done without need of extra-time or penalties.

The Finns are 15/4 to progress in the same manner and 7/4 to reach the final.

Wales v Finland betting tips and predictions

Wales win to nil - 13/8

Wales have kept clean sheets in two of their last three fixtures against Finland and they can register a victory and a shutout in Thursday's play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Having to go through the play-offs is not the ideal scenario for Wales, who approached the final two matches in qualifying Group D needing just two more wins to secure a top two finish.

Page's men fell short due to a pair of 1-1 draws away to Armenia and at home to Turkey but their spirits were soon lifted when the play-off draw handed them a reasonable route to Germany 2024.

Wales are two home wins away from qualification, starting with the fixture with Finland and finishing with a potential clash at home to Poland or Estonia.

And they have recent experience of play-off glory having reached the 2022 World Cup with victories at home to Austria (2-1) and Ukraine (1-0).

It is arguable that Wales' task is slightly easier than it was on the road to Qatar, although they can no longer rely on the individual quality of retired superstar Gareth Bale.

The adjustment to Bale's retirement was a key reason behind Wales's slow start to qualification.

However, the Red Dragons approach the play-offs on a six-game unbeaten run and are entitled to feel confident of overcoming a Finland side which has generally struggled since their appearance at Euro 2020.

Finland won just three games over the course of their failed 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign and they missed a big opportunity in Euro 2024 qualifying after landing in a soft section alongside Denmark, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland and San Marino.

Disappointing losses at home to (1-2) Kazakhstan and away to Slovenia (0-3) were contributing factors as the Finns finished four points outside of the top two, and their tough play-off draw offers minimal hope of redemption.

Kieffer Moore to score anytime @ 9/4

Wales' biggest challenge could be finding a way past Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who has been a big part of Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga title charge.

Hradecky has kept clean sheets in 12 of 25 league matches for Leverkusen and is on course to collect a title winner's medal.

However, he receives far less protection when donning a Finnish jersey and has managed only one shutout in his last four internationals.

Wales can no longer rely on Bale but they have plenty of potent attacking options, including centre-forward Kieffer Moore, who has considerable aerial ability.

Moore was loaned from his parent club, Bournemouth, to Championship highflyers Ipswich in January and has been making a significant impact with the Suffolk side.

The 31-year-old has netted six goals in ten appearances for the Tractor Boys and looks an overpriced 9/4 shot to score against Finland.

Rasmus Schuller to be carded - 10/3

Finland must find a way of stemming Welsh attacks and a lot of responsibility will rest on the shoulders of midfielders Glen Kamara and Rasmus Schuller.

Of the duo Schuller tends to attract the greatest attention from referees.

Schuller was carded nine times in 23 Swedish top flight games for Djurgardens last season and he looks a tempting 10/3 shot for a caution against Wales.

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Wales v Finland odds

Wales - 17/20
Draw - 12/5
Finland - 15/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.