Men's ice hockey gold medal match predictions & Winter Olympics betting tip

Free ice hockey tips, best bets and analysis for Finland v ROC in the Winter Olympics 2022 gold medal match.

Where to watch

Beijing 2022 coverage on BBC & Eurosport

When to bet

Match starts 4.10am Sunday

Best bet

Finland to win gold
2pts 10-11 general

Match preview

Having sealed a 2-0 victory over Slovakia earlier in the day, Finland's Olympic ice hockey team will have enjoyed watching Russia grind out a hard-fought win over Sweden in the other semi-final.

The Russians needed an eight-round shootout to see off Sweden after ten minutes of tiring three-on-three overtime failed to produce a winner, and they could well still be feeling the effects of that game when they battle for gold in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Finland have always been a force in international ice hockey, yet have never won Olympic gold - but it could be worth backing them to put that right in what bookmakers see as almost a pick 'em affair.

Though they haven't met in the tournament yet, the Finns and Russian enter the final with similar profiles. Russia lost a crazy group game against the Czechs, 6-5 in overtime, while the closest Finland have come to defeat was an OT win against Sweden after they had begun the third period 3-0 down.

Although the Russians are defending Olympic gold medallists, Finland have made two appearances in the final of the World Championship since Pyeongchang 2018, winning one, while Russia have just one bronze medal in that time.

Great Britain's women curlers emulated the men's team by booking a place in the gold medal match. Eve Muirhead's squad edged out reigning Olympic champions Sweden in an extra end to set up a clash with surprise finalists Japan at 1.05am tonight UK & Ireland time.

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