Written By: Mark Walker, , Match Preview

EURO 2020 shock troops Finland take on neighbouring Russia after their win against Denmark was obviously overshadowed by the Christian Eriksen medical emergency.

And the Russians cannot afford another no show on the night, like in their opening game against Belgium.

Finland defied both odds and a Danish onslaught to sneak a famous 1-0 win in Copenhagen thanks to a second half goal from Joel Pohjanpalo.

Much was made of whether it was right to continue to play or even ethical, but there's little doubt the horrifying Eriksen incident completely changed the game, after it was restarted later in the evening.

For Russia, they had been backed to cause an upset on Belgium, but they were absolutely awful in St Petersburg. They didn't threaten to lay a glove on the classy Belgians and the end could be pleased their opening game loss wasn't more than the 3-0 it ended up.

It's all to play for then again in St Petersburg with the Finns eager to prove that win against Denmark was no fluke and the Russians desperate to avoid freezing again.

How the bookies view it

Despite that opening day flop, the Russians are strong odds-on favourites to make amends and are 4/6 to win with William Hill's and Betfred.

Finland are again massive underdogs and are 5/1 to pull off a second shock of the tournament. The draw can be backed with Tonybet at 57/20.

Recent head to heads

Finland are about to play Russia for the fifth time and boast a 100 per cent record against their Baltic neighbours…they've lost every time.

The last meeting to be fair was 11 years ago and Russia won 3-0 in Helsinki below.

Players to watch

Russia managed just one solitary shot on target against Belgium and host city favourite Artem Dzyuba at least stayed on the park for the duration. He should surely get better service on Wednesday and the Zenit St Petersburg striker has netted 26 goals for club and country already this season. He's 6/5 with Unibet to score anytime.

Teemu Pukki had a quiet match in Finland's first ever game at a major tournament, but he will be encouraged by the room Russia gave Belgian strikers. He's 17/5 with Unibet to score anytime at St Petersburg.

Anything else catch the ee?

It's hard to believe Russia can be as bad, nor Finland's goal have such a charmed life as the opening game, but the 4/6 is too short to back with confidence.

Finland were under siege in the first half in Copenhagen and somehow survived. With Russia surely desperate for a fast start they may not be as fortunate this time. The 7/4 with bet365 for a half time and full time Russian success is tempting if they get off to a flier.

The Finns failed to win a single corner in their first game and Russia won more than Belgium so keep an eye on the corner handicap markets when they come up.

This match between Finland and Russia will be played on Jun 16, 2021 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Finland vs Russia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Betting Tips and Predicitions
Russia to win half time/full time
7/4
Bet365
Artem Dzyuba to score anytime
6/5
UniBet

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