Belarus – Finland: prediction and preview

Finland top Group C1 on 7 points after coming from behind to beat Albania (2-1) and visit Belarus, third on 4, in Budapest, where the Belarusians play their home games. The reverse fixture ended 0-0 in Helsinki. Friis is expected to repeat the 4-3-3 with Hradecky in goal, Kairinen and Markhiev in midfield and Leo Walta (4 goals and 1 assist) in form, with Pohjanpalo (3 goals) up front. Kairinen is on two yellow cards. Goncharenko trusts his 4-2-3-1 with Pechenin, who has three assists, at full-back and Kontsevoy (2 goals) as the attacking reference after the 4-0 against San Marino. We have found no confirmed absences for either side. Finland have conceded only once and hold 66% of the ball. The site's statistical forecast gives 30% home, 27% draw and 44% away, with 1-1 the most likely score; a draw would leave Albania able to take top spot.