Euro Play Off - Bosnia v Rep of Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovina host the Republic of Ireland in this first leg play off to decide who qualifies for the European Championships in France next summer. Both sides had mixed fortunes in their respective groups which led to them finishing third. In fact, they both finished strongly to secure third place as this was by no means a sure thing with a few matches to go.
Ireland obtained a wonderful one nil victory over the current world champions Germany in their penultimate group match which secured third place. The match winner that night was Shane Long and he is out of tonight's game with a foot injury. Ireland are also without Jonathon Walters who is suspended which leaves them thin on the ground in the attacking department. John O'Shea is another who is suspended which further dents their chances.
Bosnia are a solid team with a few stand out players. Former Man City striker Edin Dzeko leads the line for them and was top scorer in the group stages. Miralem Pjanic is the Roma midfielder who makes them tick and they also have Chelsea goal keeper Asmir Begovic. This type of player in far above and beyond the quality of anything that Ireland have and I think this will be the difference in the tie, and especially the first leg. Bosnia are best price evens to record the win tonight and I think this is an excellent price. Ireland will come here with the hope of containment, especially given their lack of striking options, and if Bosnia can get an early goal it will really scupper the Irish plans. I think it will be a tight enough match, but one that Bosnia have more than enough class to win.
> Get England To Win at 16/1
Wales v Holland
Wales had an excellent qualifying campaign where they finished second to book their place in France next year. The Dutch were the complete opposite and endured a horrible time finishing fourth in their group and being eliminated.
Wales are without Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey tonight and they are their two best players by quite some distance. Wales are an extremely ordinary team without these two and wouldn't trouble many teams. They are also potentially going to hand a debut to a striker which will leave them very limited up front.
The Dutch will be keen to start to get things back on track and they welcome back Arjen Robben from injury. He is a key player for both Holland and Bayern Munich and is sure to cause the Welsh defence all kinds of problems. I think the Dutch will win comfortably tonight and will be supporting them accordingly.
Today's Selections
Bosnia v Rep of Ireland - Bosnia win - 2 points @ evens (Coral, William Hill)
Wales v Holland - Holland win - 3 points @ 21/20 (Paddy Power)
Holland win minus 3 - 1 point @ 25/1 (Coral)