Date of Tips: 06/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:23 06/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025
Kick-off time: 17:00 (local time)
Venue: Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Another big night in the World Cup qualifiers — and this one feels massive for Finland. They’re at home, under a bit of pressure, and they know nothing less than three points will do. Lithuania come to town still chasing their first win of the campaign, but you know what they say — there’s always that one game where the underdog fancies a shock. Could this be it? Let’s see.
Finland need a response. Their 3–1 loss to Poland last time out stung — not because they didn’t compete, but because they actually looked decent for long spells. They had more of the ball (55% possession), created chances, and even grabbed a late goal through Benjamin Källman. But it was all too little, too late.
The good news for Finland fans is that defender Miro Tenho has shaken off his minor injury and should be back in the squad. That’s a huge boost for a back line that’s leaked nine goals in their last six matches. Up top, Benjamin Källman has surely done enough to earn a start after scoring off the bench against Poland. Expect him to lead the line, with Joel Pohjanpalo not far behind.
In midfield, Kaan Kairinen will once again be pulling the strings. He’s been a consistent performer in qualifying and has a knack for breaking lines with those crisp, forward passes. And don’t forget Glen Kamara — calm, smart, and a real leader in the middle.
Lithuania, meanwhile, are still trying to find their rhythm. They lost 4–2 to the Netherlands last time out, but to be fair, they didn’t go down quietly. Gvidas Gineitis and Edvinas Girdvainis both got on the scoresheet, which will give them a bit of confidence heading into this one.
The problem? Defence. Lithuania have conceded 12 goals in their last six outings — that’s two a game on average. They’ll need to tighten up, and fast. Fedor Černych, the team’s No.10 and long-time talisman with over 100 caps, will be the key man again. If he gets even half a sniff around the box, Finland better watch out.
Finland: Hradecky; Uronen, Tenho, Ivanov, Alho; Kamara, Kairinen; Lod, Taylor, Forss; Källman.
Lithuania: Gertmonas; Barauskas, Girdvainis, Klimavicius; Lasickas, Dapkus, Gineitis, Novikovas; Verbickas; Cernych, Kuklys.
You won’t believe this, but the last time these two met — back in March — it ended all square, 2–2. Lithuania actually came from behind twice that night, showing real grit and determination.
Armandas Kučys and Gvidas Gineitis grabbed the goals for Lithuania, while Kairinen and Pohjanpalo hit the net for Finland. That game was fiery, end-to-end, and full of drama. So, could we be in for another tight one? Possibly. But this time, Finland are at home, and that changes everything.
Finland have to win this. There’s no other way to put it. They’ve been better on the ball, created more chances, and just need to start converting them. With home fans behind them, you’d expect them to come out fast — maybe even grab an early goal to settle the nerves.
Lithuania will likely sit deep, try to frustrate, and hit on the counter. It’s worked for them in flashes, but they haven’t kept a clean sheet in ages — six games and counting. That’s not the record you want going into a tricky away qualifier.
A couple of betting angles worth a look:
So, what happens on the night? Finland will dominate possession, move the ball patiently, and look to stretch Lithuania’s defence. You’ll see lots of play down the wings — Lod and Forss are both dangerous when they cut inside.
Lithuania might have a moment or two on the break, especially through Černych, but over 90 minutes, Finland’s quality should show. If they score first, it could be a long evening for the visitors.
Prediction: Finland to win.
Scoreline: Finland 2–0 Lithuania.
It’s the kind of game where Finland just need to be professional — do the job, keep the faith, and take three points to stay alive in the race for the 2026 World Cup.
Match Prediction: Finland to win. Bet with bet365.
I think Finland will get it done cleanly. They’ll control the tempo, keep Lithuania pinned back, and finally grab that much-needed win. Källman looks sharp, and the defence will be desperate to shut the door.
Correct Score Prediction: Finland 2–0 Lithuania. Bet with bet365.
The numbers don’t lie — Finland have seen over 2.5 goals in four of their last six matches. Lithuania, meanwhile, can’t stop conceding but do manage to score here and there. That said, I’m leaning towards a lower-scoring one this time.
Finland will want to control the tempo, keep it clean at the back, and see it through. So, under 3.5 goals feels like a solid play if you’re looking at totals.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 1.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Let’s keep it simple — here’s a combo that fits the game.
Bet Builder Tip:
That’s your all-rounder: solid win, steady scoreline, and the main man finding the net.
Bet Builder Tip: Finland to Win to Nil, Under 3.5 Goals, and Benjamin Källman to Score Anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Finland are strong favourites, especially at home. Their attack looks sharper, and Lithuania’s defence has been shaky. Expect a home win.
Our prediction: Finland 2–0 Lithuania.
The match takes place at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Keep an eye on Benjamin Källman for Finland — he’s in good form and should get chances. For Lithuania, Fedor Černych is always their biggest threat.