Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Ukraine: Charlie Nicholas' Euro 2016 play-off predictions
Tuesday 17 November 2015 12:45, UK
Charlie Nicholas is back with his Euro 2016 play-off predictions but does he hold out much hope for the Republic of Ireland in Bosnia?
The four two-legged ties take place between October 12-17, with all eight matches live on Sky Sports.
Here's what Charlie is predicting for the first legs...
Bosnia and Herzegovina v Republic of Ireland
Living in Glasgow, where there's an Irish contingent, I've heard people saying they were really pleased when this draw came out, but I think it could be the most awkward of the lot. I watched them a couple of years ago and they were starting to believe in the talent they had coming through and now those players with potential are recognisable names for us.
I've always been a fan of sides with the balance of technical quality combined with prolific goalscorers which is what they've got. Vedad Ibisevic gets his fair share but Edin Dzeko in particular, a poor man's Robert Lewandowski if you like, is a huge threat. I always said when he was at Manchester City that if he became available, then Arsenal should have gone for him.
Sorry Ireland but, while I'll be cheering you on, I think Bosnia will have too much, build a healthy lead and ultimately go through.
Charlie predicts: 2-0 and Dzeko to score first (22/1 with Sky Bet)
Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers
Ukraine v Slovenia
Slovenia would have actually been the perfect team to face for Ireland. I've watched a fair bit of them and I can't believe how bad they are. I had them in one of my bets in the last round of qualifiers and was following them on the Sky Sports wall - which I love using with the goal flashes - and they look like a side devoid of ideas.
Ukraine have obviously got their issues and perhaps it will be that home pride and emotion will give them the extra edge.
In terms of who will find the net, in the absence of a prolific goalscorer, Andriy Yarmolenko has scored four goals for them in qualifying so I'm going with him to score first.
Charlie predicts: 1-0 and Yarmolenko to score first (15/1 with Sky Bet)
Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers
Sweden v Denmark
Is this a script for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to deliver? While he was outshone by Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring a brace when they met Portugal in the World Cup play-offs, he tends to step up at times like this.
Denmark are a decent side and there's not much between them but I just think when you carry that extra bit of quality then that's what makes the difference on these big occasions, which I think Zlatan enjoys.
This is a great clash and one where I see the big names coming to the fore and I wouldn't be surprised if he were to score a brace.
Charlie predicts: 3-1 and Ibrahimovic to score first (66/1 with Sky Bet)
Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers
Norway v Hungary
Hungary are a side on the way up with a relatively young crop but I'm not convinced by them yet. As for Norway, well they're a bit dull but they do what they do and tend to get the job done.
I'd be lying if I said this was the tie I was most excited about and it might well come down to which side is most disciplined and grind it out. Norway probably win in that sense, wearing down their less experienced opponents.
In terms of goalscorer, I actually like the look of Norwich's Alexander Tettey, who scored in both of their last qualifiers. He doesn't get much of a chance to get forward under Alex Neil, but he's the sort of player who could make the difference.
Norway 1-0 and Tettey to score first (45/1 with Sky Bet)
Result - Norway 0-1 Hungary
