Finland are gearing up for a clash against Russia on Wednesday. There are 12 games in round 2 of the group stages Euro 2020 and this one is played out at the Saint Petersburg Stadium. Finland enter the Euro 2020 as number 54 in the FIFA world ranking, thus signifying the gap between these teams as Russia come here with a ranking of number 38.
Whilst outsiders to top their group Finland still seem to have a decent opportunity to qualify for the knock out stages. In a hard fought qualifying group Finland came through in 2nd place but entered the Euro 2020 as heavy outsiders for the title.
It has the look of a close battle now to get through to the next round, however Russia still have it all to play for despite losing big against Belgium. Russia still booked a fairly secure 2nd place in the qualification group and did surprisingly well at the World Cup on home soil in 2018.
Finland vs Russia stats and analysis
Finland join the Euro 2020 with humble stats in relation to goals scored in their previous 10 internationals. Finland pulled off 1.7 goals per game, which could be better, however defensively they have been solid. With 8 goals conceded, an average of 0.8 per game, they accomplished a clean sheet in 7 matches.
Russia came here oozing confidence with great stats from their last 10 internationals. Russia managed a lofty 3.3 goals a game, scoring 33 times while allowing a a lowly 8 goals against them. Three of which came against Belgium! That is an impressively low 0.8 per game, with a clean sheet in 7 of the matches.
Finland got their Euro 2020 campaign safely going with a tight 1-0 win in their first outing. They would have hoped for a point and got so much more on the backdrop of the Christian Eriksen tragedy. A clean sheet was satisfying and gives Finland a good base to operate from.
Russia head into this encounter on the back of a huge dropping against a motivated Belgian side. They now face an uphill battle in this second outing, and they know a defeat will most likely have them packing before the fun starts.
Stats and facts for Finland and Russia.
- Finland has won in the last 4 of 5 matches at home;
- Finland scored in the last 15 of 17 matches;
- Total goals was OVER 2.5 in Finland's last 5 of 7 matches;
- Finland scored the last 7 matches in a row at home.
- Russia has won in the last 4 of 5 matches when playing away;
- Russia scored in the last 16 of 18 matches;
- Total goals was OVER 2.5 in Russia's last 11 of 13 matches;
- Total goals was OVER 3.5 in Russia's last 4 of 6 matches.
Lineup Finland vs Russia
Form Finland vs Russia
Finland finally found the inspiration
Finland will enter the match hoping to finally end their losing streak against Belgium. In their last 3 international matches Finland were hammered by Sweden in a 2-0 defeat and followed that up with a 1-0 defeat against Estonia, before taking part in a 1-0 win against Denmark.
Russia in nice flow.
Results have been pretty much up to scratch in recent matches for Russia who have performed more or less according to expectations. In their last 3 international matches Russia managed a 1-1 draw against Poland, followed by a 1-0 win against Bulgaria, before getting punished by Belgium in a 3-0 defeat.
Finland v Russia Fixture History
When these two nations last faced off against each other, Russia ended up taking all 3 points in a 3-0 victory. Finland face up to Russia with a 0-0-2 history in various recent meetings across all competitions or friendlies.
Full Time Betting
The bookmakers are offering following odds for this match: Finland to win pays out at 5.50, the best prize for a draw is 3.75, while an away win for Russia returns you odds 1.62.
Topscorers markets
Teemu Pukki hit the target 4 times in the last 6 internationals for Finland, and he will be hoping to expand on that tally here. Russia are banking on Artem Dzyuba to bring his A-game to the table as he has has been on target 3 times in 6 recent internationals.