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Bosnia & Herzegovina takes on Republic of Ireland in the first leg of this Euro 2016 playoffs tie, with each side desperate to record a positive result going into the reverse leg.
The hosts were on fire to finish the group stages, despite eventually finishing third behind Wales and Belgium. Bosnia had an atrocious start to the qualifiers and at one point even the playoff seemed impossible, but they really rocked it in 2015. They won 5 out of the 6 qualifying matches played this year, scoring 3 goals in all but one of the victories (in which they scored 2). Also, 4 out of the 5 wins were by a form of handicap, so Bosnia is really entering this playoff match red hot and with a lot of confidence.
Ireland’s superb 1-0 home win over Bosnia in the second to last round of the group stage propelled them into the playoffs ahead of Scotland and the visitors will surely look to make the most of this chance – as the 3rd place was really looking unlikely at one point. The problem for Ireland is that they are not as dangerous on the road as they are at home – winning just 2 of the last 14 road matches, against Gibraltar and Georgia. They did record a draw in Germany, but it was a singular and lucky result in official matches.
Bet on Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Rep. of Ireland with the highest odds at 1xBet.com.
Team news & lineups:
With the exception of Muhamed Besic, Bosnia has a full squad available and can field the best lineup, including a back in form Dzeko. Ireland on the other hand has serious problems, missing O’Shea, Long, Walters, Meyler, McGoldrick, Given and Elliot.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Begovic – Mujdza, Spahic, Sunjic, Zukanovic – Pjanic, Hadzic, Sahilovic – Visca, Ibisevic, Dzeko
Republic of Ireland: Randolph – Coleman, Wilson, Keogh, Brady – Whelan, McCarthy, Hendrick, McClean – Keane, Murphy
The hosts have been terrific this year, they are healthy and clearly have the talent to do great things. Both Bosnia and Ireland play very well at home, so the visitors will not have it easy on the road in a volcano – like atmosphere. Ireland is definitely a solid team, but looking at their injury sheet, you have to feel Bosnia has a great chance to take a good result into the 2ndleg.
My tip is Bosnia & Herzegovina to win, form and home court advantage should get them the victory against a banged up Irish team. The visitors are no mugs, but playing on the road, without so many players and against a red hot opponent will likely be too much for them today. Prediction: Bosnia Herzegovina – Ireland 2-1.
Pick: Bosnia & Herzegovina
Odds: 1.97 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.76
Event date: 13 November
