Finland – France : Preview & Prediction
Finland and France meet at the Helsingin olympiastadion, in a match for the World Cup Qualifiers – Europe (Group Stage). The record of direct clashes for the last 3 years between the two teams couldn’t be more balanced, as there was 1 victory for each team in the last 2 times they met. In this match, the home factor may have a decisive role, as France has shown differences in performance in their games at home and as a visitor.
The home team is currently in the 3rd place, with 8 points won, after 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. In the penultimate match, they won in an away match against Kazakhstan, by (0‑2). In the last match, they won in an away match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, by (1‑3). This is a team that keeps their performance when they play away from their stadium, as in the last 30 matches they register 7 wins, 1 draw and 7 losses in away matches; against 7 wins, 2 draws and 6 losses in their stadium. In the last 10 home matches Finland has a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses. Defensive consistency hasn’t been their best feature, as they have conceded goals in 5 of the last 7 matches, but their offense has scored consistently, as they have scored goals in 6 of the last 7 matches for this competition. In their home matches there is a tendency for few goals, as in 8 of the last 10 they played there were less than 3 goals. In 15 matches, they never managed to turn the score around in the 10 matches they conceded the first goal. In the last 10 home matches for all competitions there are 1 periods that stand out: they have scored 3 of their 7 goals between minutes (46’‑60′).
Finland comes motivated for this match after a 1-3 away triumph against Bosnia: Forss, Lod and O’Shaughnessy scored the “goals” of this beautiful victory. Thus, the home team seems to be going through a good moment, as it records two consecutive victories and a total of five goals scored. The home team usually plays in a usual 5-3-2, favoring quick transitions. For that, you can count on the speed of Teemu Pukki and Marcus Forss. Note that one of the best players in Finland is Norwich striker Teemu Pukki. Coach Markku Kanerva must have all the players at his disposal for this battle.
The away team is currently in the 1st position, with 12 points won, after 4 wins and 3 draws. In the last match, they won by (8‑0) at home against Kazakhstan, after having won by (2‑0) at home to Finland in the previous match. This is a team that usually gets better results away than at home, since in the last 30 matches they register 11 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss in away matches, with a total of 27 goals scored and 11 conceded. At home, they won 9 wins, 5 draws and 1 defeat, with a total of 40 goals scored and 14 conceded. Their last away match was for the UEFA Nations League and ended in a victory by (1‑2) against Spain. In the last 10 away matches France has won 7 and tied 3. Their offense has scored consistently, as they have scored at least one goal in each of the last 7 matches for this competition. In 15 matches, they have conceded the first goal 7 times and have only turned the score around in 2 times. In the last 11 away matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have conceded 5 of their 8 goals between minutes (31’‑45′).
France heads into this match extremely motivated after a home rout, by 8-0, against Kazakhstan: Mbappé, Benzema, Rabiot and Griezmann scored the “goals” of the victory. Thus, the visiting team is going through an excellent period, as it records four consecutive victories, with a total of fifteen goals scored. The visiting team usually plays in a usual 5-3-2, favoring quick transitions. For that, he can count on the finishing skills of Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema. It should be noted that one of the best players in France is the forward of Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappé. Coach Didier Deschamps is likely to be without Paul Pogba as he is currently recovering from a thigh injury.
Finland – France : Betting Tips
Finland – Win Odds: 6.25
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
