Finland will host Malta on Friday evening in their final Group G fixture, with the home side still mathematically in contention for a World Cup playoff spot.
Finland enter the match third in the group with 10 points from seven games, three behind second-placed Poland. To secure a playoff place, Jacob Friis’s team must beat Malta and rely on Poland losing both remaining matches against the Netherlands and Malta.
The Eagle-Owls have lost three of their last four internationals but remain competitive following last month’s home win over Lithuania. Finland have never reached a World Cup finals, though they did qualify for Euro 2020, where they exited in the group stage.
This will be the tenth meeting between the two nations. Finland have won six of the previous nine encounters, including each of the last six. Malta’s last victory in the fixture dates back to 1988. The most recent meeting, in March, ended 1-0 in Finland’s favour.
Malta come into the match bottom of Group G with two points from six games. Emilio De Leo’s side have drawn twice and lost four times, scoring once and conceding 16. A victory on Friday could lift Malta above Lithuania into fourth place.
The national team’s last win came in a September friendly against San Marino. Since then, Malta have suffered a 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands in World Cup qualifying and a 4-1 friendly loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Team News
Teemu Pukki is set to make his final appearance for Finland as the 35-year-old forward closes his international career with 42 goals from 118 caps. Captain Lukas Hradecky is expected to start in goal and is in line for his 102nd appearance.
Oliver Antman and Topi Keskinen could feature in midfield, while Robin Lod is also expected to start in the central areas.
Malta welcome back defender James Carragher, who returns from injury and may start alongside Zach Muscat and Nathaniel Phillips Shaw. Ryan Camenzuli and Teddy Teuma are unavailable due to suspension, creating opportunities for Myles Beerman and Jake Grech.
Irvin Cardona is expected to lead the Malta attack, supported by Joseph Mbong, who has scored three goals in 69 caps.
Possible Lineups
Finland:
Hradecky; Alho, Ivanov, Tenho, Koski, Lahteenmäki; Antman, Kairinen, Lod, Keskinen; Walta
Malta:
Bonello; Corbalan, Shaw, Carragher, Beerman; Guillaumier, Satariano; J. Mbong, Grech, Chouaref; Cardona
Prediction
Finland 2-1 Malta
Malta have the potential to make this a competitive fixture and may find a breakthrough, but Finland are expected to edge the contest on home soil.
