Finland v Russia predictions: Flying Finns have little to fear

Free Euro 2020 football tips, best bets and analysis for Finland v Russia in Group B on Wednesday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 2pm Wednesday

Best bet

Finland or draw double chance
1pt 5-4 Hills

Finland did not receive much credit after defeating Denmark but they can continue their strong start to the tournament by avoiding defeat against neighbours Russia in Saint Petersburg.

Team news

Finland
Nikolai Alho (ankle) and Jukka Raitala (calf) are doubts.

Russia
Yuri Zhirkov (calf) and Daler Kuzyaev (head) miss out but Igor Diveev and Fyodor Kudryashov could shake off minor injuries and return to contention.

Match preview

Football supporters were united in relief on Saturday evening after Christian Eriksen's recovery from cardiac arrest but there was added joy for Finland fans, who celebrated a shock 1-0 victory over Denmark, and the Nordic nation's strong start to Euro 2020 could continue with a point or three against Russia in Saint Petersburg.

The circumstances of the weekend clash in Copenhagen were testing for both sets of players and arguably more difficult for the Danes.

However, Finland carried off their game plan to a tee and picked up a hugely valuable victory which puts them on the brink of a place in the round of 16.

Another point would probably be enough for Markku Kanerva's side, who had one major scare when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's 74th-minute penalty was saved by Lukas Hradecky.

The clean sheet was Finland's fourth in eight competitive internationals and they are not without hope of shutting out the Russians, who were brushed aside 3-0 by Belgium in Saint Petersburg.

Russian supporters might have hoped for their team to tap into the spirit of the 2018 World Cup when home advantage inspired a charge to the quarter-finals.

However, there was a lack of intensity and quality from the first whistle as Russia meekly succumbed to a Belgian side missing talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Despite the positive experience from three years ago, Russia have failed to kick on and there seems to be an over-reliance on the old guard - ten of their squad are aged 30 or over.

Veteran 37-year-old Yuri Zhirkov started against Belgium despite featuring just twice for Zenit St Petersburg this year and lasted just 42 minutes before hobbling off.

All five subs were used by the 63rd minute but there didn't seem to be much of a coherent strategy aside from a stream of deliveries launched into giant striker Artem Dzyuba.

Finland will be happy to stick to plan A by sitting deep, soaking up the pressure and waiting for a moment for one of their strikers, Joel Pohjanpalo and Teemu Pukki to take advantage of.

Pohjanpalo was their match-winner against the Danes but Pukki showed moments of his intelligence and quality, and may need only one chance to open his tournament account.

There will come a time when Finland's cautious style of play will be exposed but they won't be easy to break down and could achieve the remarkable feat of reaching the last 16 with a game to spare.

Key stat

Finland have lost just one of their last eight competitive games.

Inside info

Finland

Penalty taker Teemu Pukki
Free-kick wizard Jere Uronen
Set-piece aerial threat Paulus Arajuuri
Card magnet Tim Sparv

Russia

Penalty taker Artem Dzyuba
Free-kick wizardAleksei Miranchuk
Set-piece aerial threatArtem Dzyuba
Card magnetAndrei Semenov

Lowdown

Venue Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Fans allowed 30000
Time Zone BST +two hours
Weather Sunny, max 21C
FIFA rankings Finland (54), Russia (38)

Bet builder

Finland or draw double chance
Russia have picked up just three victories in their last 12 matches and may struggle to bounce back from their dismal 3-0 loss to Belgium on Saturday.

Under three goals
Four of Finland's last five matches have featured fewer than three goals and there could be a shortage of openings in Saint Petersburg with the Finns content to defend deep and Russia lacking the guile to open them up.

Teemu Pukki to score
Finland do not create a lot of chances but their star striker, Teemu Pukki, is an expert finisher and could find the net for the first time at a major tournament.

The treble pays 15-2 with bet365

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Live blog, betting insight and in-play tips on every Euro 2020 match at www.freesupertips.com