Euro 2016 Play-off, first leg - preview and odds: Republic of Ireland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Published on: 15/11/2015

Euro 2016 Play-off, second leg - preview and odds: Republic of Ireland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

November 16, 2015 20:45pm - Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Euro 2016 Qualifier - Play-off

Republic of Ireland may feel that they have the slight advantage going into the second league of this Euro qualifier having held Bosnia and Herzegovina to a 1-1 draw in Zenica.

Republic hoping to continue strong home form

The Republic of Ireland have a decent record at home and have not been beaten in their last six competitive games in Dublin - their last defeat coming against Sweden in September 2013. They go into this game with the scores level at 1-1 after a securing a well-earned draw in difficult conditions last week. If the Irish prevail, they will take their place at the European Championships for the second consecutive time.

In the first leg, Ireland took the lead with just eight minutes remaining thanks to a strike from Robby Brady. However, the hosts responded quickly through Edin Dzeko to ensure that the spoils were shared.

Late goal kept Euro hopes alive for Bosnians

When Brady scored for Ireland with just eight minutes remaining in the first leg, it looked like Bosnia and Herzrgovinas Euro dream was collapsing in front of their eyes. However, a rapid reply from Edin Dzeko ensured that his team will go into the second leg with a realistic chance of progressing to France next summer.

The last time the Bosnians contested a Euro play-off in 2012, they fell by six goals to two at the hands of Portugal, with all the goals coming in the second leg away from home. If they are successful it would only the second time that they have qualified for a major tournament having reached the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

Team news

Shane Long remains a doubt and will face a late fitness test. If the Southampton striker does not make it, Martin ONeill may decide to hand a start to veteran striker Robbie Keane. John O`Shea and Jon Walters are both available after serving suspensions.

Recent form (qualifiers)

Republic of Ireland: DLWWW

Bosnia and Herzegovina: DWWWL

Betting odds and tips

The Republic of Ireland have the slight advantage having secured a vital away goal in the first leg while also avoiding defeat. They have a good record on home soil and will be favourites to progress against a Bosnian side attempting to advance to only their second major championships.

You can back the home side to prevail in regulation time at 29/20 with Bet365.

Published on: 15/11/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/11/2015 14:41:54) but are subject to change.