Northern Ireland vs Finland: Head to head statistics
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Match preview
Michael O’Neil is back at Windsor Park, so will it be a memorable night for all Northern Ireland supporters?
During his first spell in charge, O’Neil led his country to their first major tournament for 30 years, reaching the last 16 at Euro 2016, before also featuring in the World Cup play-offs.
Now, three years after leaving for Stoke, he’s back, seeking to bring the good times back to Belfast.
On Thursday night, the Green and White Army began this qualification campaign in Serravalle, grinding out a 2-0 victory over San Marino.
Dion Charles scoring his first two international goals, one of which was a spectacular flying volley.
This though will be a significantly tougher test, with Northern Ireland seeking a first competitive win against a side ranked above them by FIFA since beating the Czech Republic in 2017.
The Eagle-owls have been unable to kick on from there though, winning just three of eight Qatar 2022 qualifiers, before narrowly avoiding relegation to Nations League C last year.
On matchday one, Markku Kanerva’s team were beaten 3-1 in Copenhagen by Denmark, conceding twice late on after Oliver Antman had slotted home an equaliser against the run of play.
Nevertheless, there’s no need to panic for Finland, as they’ve got the toughest fixture they’ll face in this group out the way.
With Slovenia, Finland and, potentially, Northern Ireland fighting it out for second, the head-to-head encounters between those teams will be decisive.
The Finns last visited Belfast almost exactly eight years ago, beaten 2-1 during Euro 2016 qualifying.
Roared on by a boisterous home crowd, can Northern Ireland start to make Windsor Park a fortress again?
Northern Ireland team news
Michael O’Neil is without experienced players Jonny Evans, Niall McGinn, Steven Davis and Kyle Lafferty, the latter scored twice in their last home match against Finland.
So, Craig Cathcart will captain the side, with O’Neil sticking with the back three deployed in San Marino.
Dion Charles’ brace in that game will see him keeps his place up front although, alongside, Josh Magennis could displace Conor Washington.
Cameron McGeehan and Issac Price made their debuts off the bench on Thursday, and could be called upon here too.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Peacock-Farrell; Ballard, Brown, Cathcart; Bradley, McNair, S Charles, Saville, Lewis; Magennis, D Charles.
Finland team news
Oliver Antman’s equaliser in Denmark means he’s now scored three goals in just four appearances for Finland, which isn’t a bad ratio at all.
Their main man for goals though remains Teemu Pukki, with 21 of his 37 international goals coming in European Qualifiers.
Other key players include goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký and Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, the latter will win his 50th cap here.
Left-back Richard Jensen went off injured in Copenhagen, so Tuomas Ollila will come in while, on the wing, Marcus Forss is set to replace Robin Lod, who’s also likely to be out.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Hrádecký; Alho, Väisänen, Ivanov, Ollila; Kairinen, Kamara, Forss, Antman; Pohjanpalo, Pukki.
