Prediction and odds for the game: Bosnia-Herzegovina (19/20) v Northern Ireland 16/5)
We are backing the draw at odds of 23/10
When: Thursday 08th October 2020, Kick-off 19:45
Where: The Stadion Bilino Polje
On Thursday night, Bosnia-Herzegovina host Northern Ireland at the Stade Bilino Polje, as both team look to book their place in the Euro 2021 play-off final. The winners of this tie will face either Slovakia or the Republic of Ireland. The winners of the final will book their place at next years competition.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The home side finds themselves in the semi-final play-offs after a recent poor run of international form. Duan Bajevic’s team have claimed just one win from their previous five outings. Last time out, they suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Poland in the last Nations League. The result means that Bosnia-Herzegovina have now kept just one clean sheet in their last seven international games.
Even their usual strong home form has slipped of late, as they have now won just two of their last five matches on home soil. To make matters worse, they have also suffered back-to-back home defeats against Italy and of course Poland. Their recent home games have certainly provided plenty of entertainment value, with over 2.5 goals scored in their last six matches on home soil.
Bosnia-Herzegovina have the upper hand when it comes to the recent history of this fixture, as the home team have won both their recent meetings with Northern Ireland. Both matches were in the inaugural Nations League campaign.
Northern Ireland
Ian Barraclough’s team have not been in the best of form going into this crucial play-off match. In fact, they have won just one of their previous seven outings, having lost on four occasions in the process.
Last time out, the visitors suffered a 5-1 home drubbing at the hands of Norway. The result means that the home team have now conceded 12 goals in their last three international matches. They have also kept just one clean sheet in their last seven outings.
Northern Ireland have been poor on their travels of late, as they have won just one of their previous four away games. They have been poor in defence in those recent matches on the road, conceding at least two goals in three of their last four away matches. The visitors have also failed to keep a clean sheet in six away internationals.
Conclusion
This is a game that could very easily go either way, as neither team have been in great form of late. With that in mind, we are backing the draw, which looks like the most likely result in this clash. The other bet we are backing is under 2.5 goals scored. Neither team have been great in defence, but both have struggled in front of goal.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 23/10 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/7. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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