Bosnia v Northern Ireland Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Grbavica Stadium - Nations League

Northern Ireland are looking for their first point in the new Nations League on Monday. That’s going to be a tough ask though, with Michael O’Neill’s side facing a trip to Bosnia, who’ve won their opening two matches.

Past Meetings

Last month’s Nations League fixture between the countries was the first time they’ve played each other. Haris Duljevic and Elvis Saric scored either side of half-time to give the visiting Bosnians a commanding lead at Windsor Park, with Will Grigg scoring an injury-time consolation for the hosts.

Team News

Edin Dzeko is closing in on 100 caps for Bosnia, and he captains his country as well as leading the line up front. Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is the vice-captain, while Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic brings a touch of class to the heart of the team.

The Irish squad doesn’t boast the same sort of high quality, but there’s plenty of experience in the visitors’ ranks. Southampton’s Steven Davis and Leicester City’s Jonny Evans will be crucial if Ireland are going to have a chance of getting a result.

Bosnia v Northern Ireland Preview and Predictions

Northern Ireland’s start to the Nations League has been disappointing after some of their performances in World Cup qualifying, but this game gives them a great chance to make amends. After losing to Bosnia at home though, beating the Dragons in their own lair is going to be difficult.

Bosnia recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria a few days after beating Ireland, with Dzeko bagging the winner in the 78th minute. Another big contribution from the Roma striker could be enough to seal the points for Robert Prosinecki’s side once again.

The hosts are 8/13 for the victory, while Northern Ireland are priced at 6/1. The Green and White Army responded to their defeat against Bosnia by beating Israel 3-0 in a friendly. However, they lost 1-0 in Austria on Friday night, meaning they’ve lost both of their Nations League matches so far.

The visitors need a result if they want to avoid relegation from the second tier of groups. With that in mind, a point could turn out to be a decent result for O'Neill's side. Bosnia drew 0-0 with Turkey on Thursday, and a stalemate here is priced at 11/4.

Recommended Bets

Dzeko to score first at 56/19

The former Manchester City forward is Bosnia’s record scorer and is looking to add to his 53 international goals on Monday.

Bosnia to win to nil at 13/10

Northern Ireland have failed to score in any of their last five away matches, and this bet would’ve paid out last month but for a last-minute Irish goal.