Republic of Ireland head into their home encounter against Finland having began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a last-gasp draw in Bulgaria.
Meanwhile, Finland make the trip to Dublin on the back of a narrow defeat to Wales, a result which leaves them bottom of Group B4.
Ireland vs Finland live stream, Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Main Event, Sunday September 6, 5pm BSTThe UEFA Nations League continues as Ireland play host to Finland this evening for both nations’ second Group H assignment.
Ireland got off to a humdrum start in their opening game of the tournament, drawing against Bulgaria 1-1 on Thursday evening. Can they return to winning ways over the Fins?
Kick-off is at 5pm BST and the game is being shown on Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Main Event in the UK. See below for watching details where you are.
Having had to bide his time in replacing Mick McCarthy as Republic of Ireland boss, Stephen Kenny would have accepted that he was under pressure to deliver an immediate return against Bulgaria on Thursday evening.
However, despite only claiming a share of the spoils in Sofia, positives will be taken from how the Green Army battled back to net a 93rd-minute equaliser through Shane Duffy.
The result leaves Republic of Ireland trailing Wales after the opening game, but there will be a feeling that getting the better of Finland at the weekend would represent an excellent start under new management.
Nevertheless, Thursday’s encounter again highlighted that improvements need to be made in the final third, with the result extending a run without scoring more than twice in a competitive fixture to 23 matches.
Although Norwich City youngster Adam Idah will be given time to adapt to the rigours of international football, Republic of Ireland need to score more goals from open play if they wish to enjoy success over the coming months.
Finland head into their next contest having succumbed to Wales in Helsinki, losing out to a goal which was netted 10 minutes from time.
The visitors deserved their success, however, and it leaves the Scandinavian nation searching for ways to improve ahead of their appearance at Euro 2020.
With four defeats having now been recorded from their last half-a-dozen contests, there is a feeling that Markku Kanerva’s team may have already peaked ahead of their first-ever outing at a major tournament.
