The Republic of Ireland is likely to be
without key personnel for its European Championship qualifying
play-off first leg in Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday. Defender
John O’Shea and striker Jonathan Walters are suspended after being
sent off and booked, respectively, in the 2-1 loss in Poland and
striker Shane Long, who has an ankle injury, is also a major doubt.
The only previous meeting between the
sides, in a friendly in Dublin in 2012, resulted in a 1-0 win for the
home side, but the Bosnians have since qualified for 2014 FIFA World
Cup, so may be a different proposition this time. Indeed, they’re
on a winning streak, having defeated Andorra 3-0, Wales 2-0 and
Cyprus 3-2 in their last three competitive matches to finish third in
Group B behind Belgium and Wales. They’re looking to make it to
their first UEFA European Championship but, with former Manchester
City striker Edin Dzeko leading the line, they’re worthy favourites
on home turf.
The lack of top-class centre forward is
the obvious weakness in Martin O’Neill’s side, so let’s go for
Bosnia-Herzegovina to record a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Selection: Bosnia-Herzegovina
to win 1-0 (11/2 with 888Sport and Unibet)
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