International
2012-05-26 - Republic of Ireland vs Bosnia
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: International Friendly
Saturday 26 May 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
This game is live on TV
Republic of Ireland
After the heartbreak of missing out on the World Cup of 2010 due to a controversial goal for France in the Play Off Round, the Republic of Ireland are going to Poland/Ukraine for the Euro 2012 tournament. They haven't been given a kind draw at the event with Spain, Italy and Croatia all lying in wait at the group stage.
Ireland finished behind Russia in the qualifying group and had to beat Estonia in a Play Off to reach the main tournament this Summer. The team won 3, draw 2 and lost 1 of their 6 group games at home to qualify for Euro 2012 and it was their away form that really helped them on the way to Poland/Ukraine.
They are actually unbeaten in their last 12 games in qualifiers and friendlies alike. Ireland are unbeaten in their last 7 home games, although they have drawn 4 of their last 5 games in front of their own fans.
James McClean has been told he will be making his first start for Ireland in this game, while Kieren Westwood is going to start in goal ahead of Shay Given. Other changes are expected to ensure there are no further injuries in the squad ahead of the Euro 2012 tournament that starts in two weeks time.
Bosnia
Bosnia will not be playing any football this Summer, but it was not for a lack of effort that they have missed out. First they pushed France all the way in the qualifying group before falling to Portugal in the Play Off round.
They actually only finished 1 point behind France in the race for automatic qualification for Euro 2012 and their 20 points gained has to be respected. Unfortunately, Bosnia were drawn with Portugal in the Play Off Round and were beaten 6-2 on aggregate. They finished with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their 6 away games in the qualifiers.
The team have lost their last 3 games and have failed to win any of their last 5 games since a 5-0 home win over Luxembourg. Bosnia have failed to win any of their last 3 away games, losing the last 2, although they were not far away from beating France when drawing 1-1 in Paris in a game that meant they could not finish top of that qualifying group.
Head to Head
This is the first time the two nations are meeting.
Prediction
As with the Norway-England game, I would 100% keep stakes to a minimum with a much more important tournament starting in the near future.
The Republic of Ireland have been set as the favourites for this game, but I think they are a little short considering their recent results at home including draws with Estonia, Czech Republic and Slovakia and I do think Bosnia can come away with a result.
Bosnia have not played that well away from home recently, but they did earn a result at France and losses to Portugal and Poland, the latter a close loss, are a little understandable.
It is entirely possible that the away side can become the latest to come to Ireland and get away with a result and a small interest in the draw looks the play.
The Pick :
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Bosnia
