While the home side could be relatively content with getting a win on the board at a major tournament, Wales were able to take the positives from reaching the last 16.

Match preview

Wales caretaker manager Robert Page on June 16, 2021 © Reuters

After the high of finishing ahead of Switzerland and Turkey during the group stages, Wales' Euro 2020 campaign ended on an unforeseen low note as they were outclassed and outfought by eventual semi-finalists Denmark.

Robert Page and his squad will point to a couple of decisions which went against them, but they were clear second-best on the night in Amsterdam.

However, the Dragons have now turned their attention to trying to qualify for next year's World Cup, their cause helped by a 1-0 win over Czech Republic in March.

Having only prevailed in one of their six fixtures since that victory, Page will be grateful for a friendly before their upcoming double-header with Belarus and Estonia.

Finland's Joel Pohjanpalo celebrates scoring their first goal against Denmark at Euro 2020 on June 12, 2021 © Reuters

Finland are back in action for the first time since appearing at their first-ever major competition during the summer, their sole success over Denmark a secondary story given the health scare involving Christian Eriksen.

Despite the circumstances surrounding their 1-0 triumph in Copenhagen, it gave Finland something to work with for the remainder of the group before ultimately bowing out with three points from as many games.

Markku Kanerva and his squad were 16 minutes away from claiming their desired draw against Belgium, but this group of players should only benefit from running their higher-class opponents so close.

This game is being played before World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and France, with three points the minimum expectation if they are to challenge for a top-two spot in Group D.

These two nations are no strangers to each other, with Wales recording a double over Finland in the UEFA Nations League at the back end of 2020.

Finland form (all competitions):

Wales form (all competitions):

Team News

Wales attacker Gareth Bale pictured at Euro 2020 on June 16, 2021 © Reuters

With Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Aaron Ramsey and David Brooks having pulled out of the squad, Wales boss Page will give consideration to restricting the minutes of some of his key men.

Gareth Bale is expected to be named on the substitutes' bench, as is Daniel James, who will go through the formalities of leaving Manchester United for Leeds United over the next 24 hours.

Ethan Ampadu and Tyler Roberts are likely to start this fixture, having been ruled out of the following clash with Belarus due to visa issues, but Adam Davies and Kieffer Moore have been ruled out due to coronavirus restrictions.

Kanerva may also take a similar approach when selecting his Finland XI, potentially leaving Teemu Pukki and Joel Pohjanpalo on the substitutes' bench.

Leo Vaisanen and Rasmus Schuller are options if Kanerva decides to rest veterans Joona Toivio and Tim Sparv.

Finland possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Raitala, Vaisanen, Arajuuri, O'Shaughnessy, Uronen; Lod, Schuller, Kamara; Forss, Hostikka

Wales possible starting lineup:
Ward; Gunter, Mepham, Ampadu, Davies; Smith, Morrell; Brennan, Wilson, Woodburn; Roberts

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We say: Finland 1-1 Wales

With more important fixtures to be played over the next week, do not expect the most thrilling of fixtures on Wednesday evening.

Neither team have made a habit of scoring goals, and we have little choice but to back a low-scoring draw.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.