3 ways to back Finland to triumph over Turkey in WCQ clash
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Many eyes will be on Wales’ meeting with Republic of Ireland in tonight’s World Cup Qualifying action.
However, the best value game tonight could well prove to be Finland’s clash with Turkey. The hosts look overpriced in a number of markets, starting with the Match Betting…
Finns enjoying the better form
A place at World Cup 2018 may be out of reach for the hosts, but Finland are certainly having a big say in Qualifying Group I, thanks to a recent burst of form.
Markku Kanerva’s men have taken seven points from their last three WCQ games, notching up wins over Iceland and Kosovo, as well as taking a point in Croatia.
They face a poor Turkey side at Veritas Stadion on tonight. The Crescent-Stars have lost two of their last three games, including a 3-0 defeat at home to Iceland in their most recent outing.
Now in fourth place and needing a victory for any chance to qualify, all the pressure is on the visitors, with Finland free to play their game.
Top Tip: Finland to Win @ 19/10
Brondby ace good value to bag opener
One Finland player likely to keep Turkey’s defence on their toes is striker Teemu Pukki. The 27-year-old netted 29 times in 46 games for Danish side Brondby last term, and has also impressed for the national side.
Pukki bagged goals in the qualifiers against Kosovo and Iceland, opening the scoring on both occasions. That means he’s now netted the opener five times for Huuhkajat.
Having registered last time the Finns hosted Turkey, there’s every chance he’ll bag another against this leaky defence. However, we reckon the value is on the former Celtic man opening the scoring.
Top Tip: First Goalscorer: Teemu Pukki @ 6/1
Goals likely to arrive after the break
Finland don’t tend to be involved in high-scoring games, but the lion’s share of those arrive after the break. And that forms the basis for our third and final tip.
In their last six outings, the hosts have scored just once and conceded the same number before the interval. However, three of those games have gone on to produce two or more second-half goals. That includes Friday’s 1-1 draw in Rijeka.
As for Turkey, all of their last four goals have come after the break. That means backing multiple goals after the break here looks a savvy selection.
Top Tip: Second Half: Over 1.5 Goals @ 7/5
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
