Bosnia-Herzegovina v Republic of Ireland preview: O'Neill's men set for play-off clash
Monday 16 November 2015 12:41, UK
Republic of Ireland travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday for the first leg of their Euro 2016 play-off, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
Victory over Germany at the Aviva Stadium last month was enough to earn them a play-off place ahead of Scotland despite a defeat to Poland in their final qualifier and Martin O'Neill's side must now overcome a Bosnia-Herzegovina side boasting Asmir Begovic, Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko.
Mehmed Bazdarevic's side finished third, behind Belgium and Wales, in Group B after a run of four wins in their last five games and included each of their final three qualifiers.
However, the visitors have been in good form themselves in recent months with three straight wins following draws against England and Scotland before they lost 2-1 to Poland in their last match.
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The hosts are without Muhamed Besic, the Everton midfielder is both injured (hamstring) and suspended for the game.
Otherwise, Bazdarevic has a fresh compliment to choose from.
O'Neill will be without Shane Long in Zenica, the striker is ruled out with an ankle injury although he may yet be fit for the return leg.
Goalkeepers Kieren Westwood (ankle), Shay Given and Rob Elliot are also out, Charlton's Stephen Henderson has been called into the squad with Darren Randolph expected to start.
John O'Shea is suspended and David Meyler is out with a knee injury but Alan Judge is available again after a hamstring problem.
Opta stats
Republic of Ireland ran out 1-0 winners in the only previous meeting between these teams (May 2012); Bosnia-Herzegovina were away from home on that occasion however.
The Dragons have only tasted defeat once in their last eight home games played in all competitions; winning six times (D1).
Bosnia-Herzegovina conceded 58% of their goals in the qualifying round in the 15 minutes leading up to half time; a competition-high.
Republic of Ireland have failed to score in six of their last 11 matches away from home in all competitions (W2 D5 L4).
Both sides are in the European Championship play-offs for a second successive tournament (Bosnia-Herzegovina lost to Portugal in 2012 whilst Republic of Ireland got past Estonia).
Edin Dzeko has scored in each of his last three home games in the European Championships.
Charlie Nicholas' prediction
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)
Betting
Bosnia are marginally odds-on at Sky Bet to establish a first-leg lead with Republic of Ireland 100/30 to win, while it is 23/10 to be all square heading into the second leg.
The hosts are also just about odds-on to qualify for the finals at 4/5 and 80/1 to win become the first side to win the tournament via the play-offs, with Ireland more than twice the price at 200/1.
Edin Dzeko heads the first goalscorer betting at 4/1 and is enhanced from 5/2 to 3/1 to score in a home win in Sky Bet's pre-match Price Boosts, while Robbie Keane is considered the visitors' main threat at 13/2.
