The first of which is against group leaders Albania in Tirana (12th November, 20:45 CET), the toughest match on paper even before Albania went two points clear atop the standings, but Finland can take heart from their 2-1 home win against the same opponents in October, albeit with the visitors reduced to 10 men in the first half.
A 1-0 loss to Belarus followed, meaning Huuhkajat failed to find the net in either game against the White Wings, who they sit behind on goal difference with both due to play Albania and San Marino this month. The team topping the group is promoted automatically, with the runner-up entering the promotion/relegation play-offs.
Oliver Antman missed the first four matches of the campaign due to family reasons, but is back for the two decisive games which can also impact Finland's chances of reaching UEFA EURO 2028. The winger has asked for full commitment from his teammates.
"We have to play boldly in attack and defence. Of course, we have our own game plan that we follow, but everyone has to give one hundred percent in every situation and boldly play their own game."
Finland will have to deal with a lively atmosphere at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, where a sell-out is expected. Naatan Skytta has also been recalled to the national team following injury, but he believes his teammates will relish the occasion.
"We came here to win and I strongly believe that we can do it. Let's just trust in our own efforts and go into the match with a positive and energetic mind. We go into the match with courage."
"It's always nice to play when there's a full house. Whether it's at home or away – of course it's even better at home. Maybe it adds a little extra spice to the game...Albania will definitely try to attack with high energy at the start and get the stadium behind them. You have to be ready for that and you have to be able to respond to that," said Skytta.
Thanks to two Leo Walta free-kicks at home to Albania, Finland have only scored in open play against San Marino in the group so far. Much was made of the Finns' disjointed attacking play in the matches that followed, but ever the true defender, Skytta still wants to focus on keeping the ball out of the net.
"Of course I want to see goals and bold and enterprising attacking play, but when we are without the ball, everyone has to give it their all and focus on defending."