Paddy’s football trader Brian McDonnell joined PPTV to see if Ireland can get their Nations League campaign kick-started with a win over Finland.
Check out Brian’s preview below and read on to see his full selections of tips for Ireland vs Finland on Sunday at 5pm.
It was an interesting game for Stephen Kenny on Thursday against Bulgaria. Clearly we’ve got a new style and a new identity and it’s one we haven’t been used to seeing over the last couple of years.
Ireland completed as many passes in the first half as they did in Mick McCarthy’s first full game back in charge two years ago.
The equaliser came from the old reliable set-piece but he’s only had two or three sessions with the team so it’s not possible to have them playing the exact way he wants after such a short time.
Some of the build-up play was a bit slow and laboured, I thought, but hopefully against Finland we’ll see some improvement. There are some exciting players there and it was a brave selection.
Draw
Unfortunately, I don’t see any value in backing Ireland on price. Finland are tight at the back, they only lost 1-0 to Wales and they should set up quite well to defend away from home.
I think the Draw is the best-value bet here. Hopefully we get a better performance by Ireland but I wouldn’t be happy to back them at the price available.
Shane Duffy To Score Anytime
Shane Duffy is probably the value bet for an anytime goalscorer because of the set pieces. He’s always our danger man in these situations as we saw on Thursday.
Aaron Connolly To Score Anytime
I’d be happy to side with Aaron Connolly as well. He had that one chance in the last game where he was put in on the near side and went for goal.
He could, perhaps, have cut it back but he’s hungry for goals and if you’re going with a forward it’s got to be Aaron Connolly to score anytime.
Our trader’s tips for Ireland v Finland on Sunday at 17:00
Draw
Shane Duffy To Score Anytime
Aaron Connolly To Score Anytime
*The odds are always bang up to date on our snazzy widgets*
More Nations League tips
- Our Tasty 10/1 Same Game Multi For Wales V Bulgaria On Sunday
- Goals Galore In Our 8/1 International Acca As Ronaldo Chases 100th Portugal Goal On Saturday
- Our Terrific 10/1 Same Game Multi For Ireland V Finland On Sunday
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW