Euro 2016 Play-Off Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Bosnia & Herzegovina

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Ireland will hope to qualify for their 2^nd European Championships in a row,  when they entertain Bosnia at The Aviva Stadium  on Monday evening.

Robbie  Brady’s strike in Zenica has given Ireland a great chance of qualification for Euro 2016 in France. Brady's strike in the mist of the Bosnian night could prove to be a crucial, crucial goal for Martin O’Neill’s side, who did exactly what they wanted to do and ensure that the tie remains alive heading into the second leg.

The Boys in Green have suffered Euro play-off heartbreak before, having lost to Holland in 1996 and Turkey in 2000, but  in front of what should be an electric atmosphere  at the Dublin 4 venue, Ireland will think they are more than capable of getting the job done. They qualified via the playoffs for Euro 2012, after overcoming Estonia.

Credit must be given to O'Neill, especially given the selection problems he faced before the game. Their sheer work rate and competitiveness off the ball was rewarded through Brady's scintillating run and goal. The thing which will probably worry Roy Keane and O'Neill was how quickly Ireland conceded after going ahead.

All being said, in simple terms it is Ireland who have the advantage as the sides face off in Dublin. 

The welcome sight of Shane Long and John O'Shea flying into Dublin to take part in training on Sunday morning will be music to Irish fans ears, as both will hope to prove their fitness and then ultimately play some part in the game. Long has been recovering from an ankle injury, while O'Shea is shaking off a hamstring strain. O'Neill has said he is confident that  both will be available for selection come kick-off time on Monday.

Daryl Murphy was the only player not to take part in the training session, but he is expected to be available after picking up a mild calf injury on Friday night, while Jonathan Walters is also expected to feature after missing Friday night's game through suspension.

Shay Given and David Meyler will once again miss out due to their ongoing knee injuries. 

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Bosnia will hope to secure their place at the Euros for the very first time, when they make the trip to Dublin to face Ireland on Monday evening. The side may have never qualified for the Euros, but they qualified for their first major tournament  last year in the form of  the World Cup in Brazil.

Will Bosnia feel like the first leg was a missed opportunity remains to be seen, as the key question surrounding their performance on Friday was whether or not they could have done more in  an attacking sense.

They will still fancy their chances of going to Ireland and securing the required result, especially if key players such as Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic. If Pjanic is allowed to play in a more forward role, he has the potential to cause Ireland  all sorts of problems.

Dzeko’s 8^th goal in qualifying means it is all to  play for on Monday night.

Manager Mehmed Bazdarevic pointed out after the game that his side will have to retain the possession more efficiently on Monday night. The return from suspension of Muhamed Besic should help him in this regard.

Bosnia promised much in terms of the way they dominated possession at times, but they produced very little in terms of  chances and they they will know that an improved performance will be required should they wish to qualify for France 2016.

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

MATCH STATS

Bosnia  lost their previous UEFA European Championship playoff , against Portugal  for EURO 2012. They drew 0-0 at home before going down 6-2 in the second leg.

The only time  club sides from  Ireland and Bosnia faced each other was in 2012/13 UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round. St Patrick’s Athletic overcame  Siroki Brijeg 3-2 on aggregate.

Prior to the first leg of the Euro 2016 playoff, the only other meeting between the sides took place in a friendly game played in Dublin  back in 2012. Ireland won that game, with Shane Long getting the only goal of the contest.

BETTING

Ireland 13/10; Draw 2/1; Bosnia 23/10.

PREDICTION

Ireland 2-1 Bosnia

Republic of Ireland

Injured:  Shay Given, David Meyler.

Doubtful: Shane Long, Daryl Murph, John O'Shea.

Suspended: None 

Bosnia& Herzegovina

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None