Slovenia will put their 100% record on the line as they travel to Finland for a Group H clash in the 2024 European Championship qualifiers. A closely fought encounter is expected here with both teams likely to cancel each other out.
It has been a mixed start for Finland in these qualifiers as they have claimed one win and suffered one defeat from their two matches so far. They are currently fourth on the standings, among a group of teams with three points.
Finland began their campaign with a 3-1 defeat in Denmark before bouncing back to claim a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland. With both matches played away from home, Marrku Kanerva will be targeting a successful return to Helsinki in their next two fixtures, having gone unbeaten in three of their last four home matches.
One problem for Finland is that they have not been particularly prolific, scoring no more than one goal in each of their last six matches across all competitions. However, having kept a clean sheet in Northern Ireland, they will be targeting a similar outcome on Friday.
Slovenia have made a solid start to the qualifiers having won their opening two matches. They are currently three points clear at the top of the group but will realise things could change quickly having only faced two of the lower ranked teams.
The Slovenians began with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in Kazakhstan before picking up a 2-0 win over San Marino. Stretching the focus further back, Matjaz Kek’s men are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Slovenia have done some good work on their recent travels and have lost just once in their last nine away matches. However, they have claimed just three wins that run with the other five matches ending in draws.
How the bookies view it
Finland gave the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 11/8 by bet365. A victory for Slovenia is valued at 11/5 by Paddy Power while a draw is also set at odds of 11/5 by bet365.
Head to head
There have been three previous matches between Finland and Slovenia with both teams claiming one win each and playing out one draw. The most recent meeting was a friendly in 2017 which ended 2-0 in favour of the Slovenians.
Players to watch
Having shown some defensive solidity last time out in Northern Ireland, Finland will be targeting a similar outcome on Friday. Robert Ivanov is expected to continue at the back and can guide the hosts to a clean sheet at 13/8 with bet365.
Slovenia will also be keen to maintain their discipline at the back having secured a shutout last time out against San Marino. With the experience of Jaka Bijol in the heart of the defence, the Slovenians will be targeting a clean sheet at 2/1 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both teams looking to maintain their discipline at the back, BTTS NO could be considered at 4/5 with BetVictor. Under 2.5 goals could also be considered at 4/7 with William Hill.
A closely fought encounter is expected on Friday, which means a halftime draw can be tipped at evens with William Hill.
This Euro 2024 match between Finland and Slovenia will be played on Jun 16, 2023 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Finland vs Slovenia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
