Nations League: Northern Ireland edged out by Norway - reaction

1. Dallas own goal difference between sides
2. NI remain bottom of Group B1 with one point from opening four games
3. Jensen's scrambled goal gives Finland win over Republic of Ireland
4. Republic stay third in Group B4, Finland go top with Wales playing Bulgaria later

Ten minutes in and it is fair to say it has been a very low key start. No chances of any description from either side yet.

Finland's form has been mixed lately. They beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 last month but then lost 5-1 to Poland before beating Bulgaria 2-0 last time out. They've yet to really trouble the visitors in these early stages.

Good possession from the visitors at the moment. They are finding space in midfield but Finland are holding their defensive shape well.

Aaron Connolly gets the ball on the right and quickly launches the ball into the box. He's looking for Daryl Horgan but his delivery has too much on it and goes out for a goal kick.

KICK-OFF

It is the visitors who get things under way.

There's supporters in the stands at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki for this one. Not too sure on exact numbers but they had around 6,000 in at the weekend.

Four Republic changes from Wales game

Stephen Kenny makes four changes from Sunday's Nations League draw with Wales which includes a debut for West Brom centre-back Dara O'Shea as he takes over from Kevin Long, who drops to the bench.

Wycombe Wanderers' winger Daryl Horgan replaces the suspended James McClean with Brighton forward Aaron Connolly and Preston striker Sean Maguire taking over from Robbie Brady and Shane Long, who are named in the substitutes.

Connolly was withdrawn from the side to face Slovakia in last Thursday's Euro 2020 play-off semi-final because of what proved to be a false positive coronavirus test for a member of the Football Association of Ireland's staff.

Euro 2020 qualifiers Finland, who defeated the Irish 1-0 in Dublin last month and beat Bulgaria 2-0 on Sunday, include Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara and Fredrik Jensen, who hit the winner at the Aviva Stadium. Norwich striker Teemu Pukki also starts.

Finland: Hradecky; Granlund, Toivio, Arajuuri, Uronen; Soiri, Sparv, Kamara, Taylor; Pukki, Jensen. Subs: Jorenen, Maenpaa, Ojala, Karjalainen, Schuller, Vaisanen, Pirinen, Alho, Kauko, Pohjanpalo, Niskanen, Raitala

Republic of Ireland: Randolph; Doherty, Duffy (capt), O'Shea, Stevens; Molumby, Hourihane, Hendrick; Connolly, Maguire, Horgan. Subs: Travers, Kelleher, K Long, S Long, Brady, Knight, Cullen, Manning, Idah, Curtis

Is today the day?

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Could today be the day that Stephen Kenny gets his first win as Republic of Ireland boss?

He's overseen two draws and two defeats during his four games in charge so far.

It certainly won't be easy against a Finland side that has six points from three group games so far.

The hosts are currently second in Group B4 with Republic of Ireland third on two points.

Almost time to bring your boots?

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With 13 players missing through a combination of Covid-19 protocols and injuries, Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny just about managed to cobble together a team for the 0-0 draw with Wales at the weekend.

There's little respite, however, with the Republic of Ireland back in action tonight as they take on Finland looking for their first win in the Nations League.