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Group B is perhaps the most open in this final matchday of the Euro 2016 qualifiers. Cyprus and Bosnia play a do or die game here, but Israel is also involved and can take advantage if they beat Belgium and Bosnia does not win this. The standings say Wales and Bosnia are qualified, Bosnia is 3rd with 14 points, Israel has 13 points, while Cyprus has 12 points.
Cyprus will reach the playoffs if they win this and Israel does now win in Belgium, so chances are that Cyprus only depends on itself. The hosts got an absolutely crucial 2-1 win in Israel on Saturday, giving themselves chances to qualify after losing 0-1 to both Belgium and Wales in the previous two matches, both at home. Cyprus had a very positive attitude in this group, they played all matches to win, not recording any draws and this is the main reason for which they are still in with a chance.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will reach the playoffs with a win and a draw would also see them trough as long as Israel will not win in Belgium. The visitors have played really well lately, winning 4 of the last 5 preliminary matches, saving themselves this way after a horrible start to the campaign. Not only did Bosnia win 4 of these last 5 matches, but all victories were by handicap. They beat teams like Israel or Wales (on Saturday), while only losing to Belgium. Bosnia scored 12 goals in the previous 5 outings.
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Team news & lineups:
Dzeko is still doubtful for Bosnia-Herzegovina, but he should feature at least in the second half after being rasted against Wales.
Cyprus: Georgallidis – Dimitriou, Dossa Junior, Laifis, Antoniadis – Nicolaou, Laban, Charalambidis, Ikonomidis – Mitidis, Makris
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Begovic – Vranjes, Sunjic, Spahic, Zukanovic – Hadzic, Salihovic – Visca, Pjanic, Lulic – Ibisevic (Dzeko)
Cyprus proved themselves to be no pushovers, but they did take advantage of some circumstances in order to have this outside shot to reach the playoffs. Cyprus did lose 5 of the 9 games played, they lost 5-0 to Belgium and got just two wins (or draws) outside of Andorra – the one on Saturday in Israel and a 2-1 in Bosnia early in the campaign, when Bosnia was in deep crisis. Point is, Cyprus does not have a special team and they did not see as much progress as their point tally might suggest.
I believe Bosnia will be able to win this, they are in top form and most importantly I like the matchup. Cyprus doesn`t have a great defense (14 goals allowed already in 9 matches) and they will need to go forward in numbers sooner or later. With the massive goalscoring potential in this Bosnia team, they will surely punish Cyprus towards the end of the game if they are not able to take the lead earlier.
My tip will be a bit on the safe side, as I am picking Bosnia to win with a 0,25 asian handicap. The odds are just good enough to take this safer approach instead of the straight win. Prediction: Cyprus – Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2.
Pick: Bosnia & Herzegovina (-0,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.60 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4.80
Event date: 13 October
