Greece will host Finland at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Saturday in the UEFA Nations League. This match marks the start of a new campaign for both teams, with Greece recently promoted to League B and Finland aiming to maintain their status at this level.
Both teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaigns.
Match Preview
Greece
Greece Recent Form
Greece enter this match after a mixed run of results. They have won three of their last six matches across all competitions, including a win against New Zealand.
However, their inconsistency was evident with losses to Georgia and France during Euro 2024 qualifiers.
This inconsistency reflects Greece's struggle to establish themselves as a strong contender in European football once again.
Greece Injury News
New manager Ivan Jovanovic will have to navigate some selection challenges, with goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos not featuring regularly at his club Newcastle United since his summer move from Nottingham Forest.
Key midfielder Dimitris Kourbelis is also out, having been excluded from the squad after his transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Other notable absentees include right-back George Baldock and defenders Panagiotis Retsos and Giorgos Kyriakopoulos.
Finland
Finland Recent Form
Finland have shown decent form leading up to this match, with four wins in their last six competitive outings. However, they faced a significant setback in their Euro 2024 playoff, where they were heavily defeated 4-1 by Wales.
Finland's recent matches have been a mix of defensive quality at the back and vulnerability, as evidenced by their draw against Scotland and a high-scoring defeat to Portugal.
Finland Injury News
Finland will be missing key forward Daniel Hakans, who is sidelined due to injury. His absence is a significant blow, given his recent goal-scoring form in Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Middlesbrough striker Marcus Forss is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury, which leaves veteran striker Teemu Pukki to lead the line once again. Midfielder Robert Taylor, who declined recent call-ups, is also excluded from the squad.
Players To Watch
Greece Player To Watch
Vangelis Pavlidis will be a key player for Greece. The forward, who recently transferred to Benfica, has been in good form at his previous club AZ Alkmaar. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial if Greece hopes to get a positive result in this match.
Finland Player To Watch
Teemu Pukki remains Finland's most reliable goal threat. With 122 caps to his name, the experienced forward will be looking to add to his goal tally and lead Finland's attack in the absence of Daniel Hakans. His ability to exploit defensive gaps could be pivotal for Finland's hopes in this match.
Prediction
Given both teams' recent performances and current squad situations, a draw seems like a probable outcome. Greece is under new management and still finding their feet, while Finland's defensive vulnerabilities might be exposed.
A 1-1 draw could be the most likely result, with both teams having enough quality to score but lacking the cutting edge to secure a win.
Finland 
Greece 
