Euro 2016 play-offs: Ireland can capitalise on Bosnia away goal
Published:
Holly Thackeray | November 15, 2015
Republic of Ireland v Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Euro 2016 play-offs
- Monday, November 16th
- Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
- Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Can Ireland emerge victorious on the Emerald Isle?
Playing in front of passionate home support on the Emerald Isle certainly gives the boisterous Boys in Green an edge, with a 6/5 price for boss Martin O’Neill to oversee an Aviva Stadium victory in 90 minutes.
The Republic are well poised to pounce having recorded a goal in Bosnia, but O’Neill was skeptical of it’s benefits ahead of the encounter. Speaking recently, the former Celtic coach said: “I don’t think the advantage is with us. Bosnia are capable of scoring a goal.
“We got an away goal which helps, but that can be wiped out in a minute,” added the former midfielder.
Ireland do, though, boast a slight historical advantage, having beaten the Golden Lilies on their own patch before, back in 2012.
Irish injury boost
The Boys in Green will need their main men to be fit, however, and have received a fitness boost ahead of Monday’s melee. Southampton striker Shane Long, who grabbed the winner last time the Golden Lilies were guests, is still in contention for a spot, and is 6/4 to score again anytime if given the nod.
While, Stoke City’s Jon Walters (also 6/4 in the anytime market) and Sunderland centre back John O’Shea are expected to be back in the starting XI.
Former Manchester United and current Norwich City winger Robbie Brady was the star of the last scuffle, striking through the fog to grab a vital goal for his country, and is 7/1 to open scoring again.
Dangerous Dzeko lurking
Should punters not fancy prolific Dzeko to repeat his heroics, fellow Giallorossi threat Miralem Pjanic can be backed at a tempting 10/3, while Hertha Berlin hitman Vedad Ibisevic is an equally enticing 15/8 in the same market.
With so much at stake, and attacking intent on both sides, plumping for the Republic of Ireland at 5/1 to win with both teams to score could prove a prudent punt.
Related
Read our other Euro 2016 play-off previews in features in our cracking archive
