Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 play-off preview: Miralem Pjanic could cause Martin O'Neill's side problems

A look ahead to the first leg of the play-off tie at Stadion Bilino Polje

Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill overseeing training (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Edin Dzeko: The captain will be no stranger to British fans who gained a reputation as a lethal marksman at Manchester City. Now at Roma, the 29 year old will be hoping to seize on Ireland’s selection problems that include John O’Shea and Shay Given. With 44 goals in 74 caps, Bosnia’s all-time top scorer will be hoping to fire them towards their second consecutive major tournament.

Stats…

• Ireland have lost five out of seven play-off ties to qualify for a major tournament.
• Ireland have drawn five of the 12 playoff games they’ve played since 1966.
• The first setback came against Spain when they lost 1-0 courtesy of Jose Ufarte's strike to rob them a place at the 1966 World Cup.
• Their last heartbreak came in 2009 when a Thierry Henry handball denied them a place at the World Cup.
• Robbie Keane holds the record for most goals scored in European qualification (23).
• Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, Bosnia have only qualified for one major tournament, the 2014 World Cup.
• Bosnia have never won a play-off tie to qualify for a major tournament.
• The closest they have come to qualification for the Euro’s was when they lost in the play-offs 6-2 on aggregate to Portugal for Euro 2012.
• No team has won the European Championship by qualifying through the play-off route.

Remember when…

The two countries have only met once previously, a friendly just before Euro 2012. Shane Long scored the only goal of the game in a match where Ireland dominated from start to finish. James McClean made his international debut in this fixture.

Player to watch…

Miralem Pjanic: The Bosnian playmaker has been in prolific form this season for Roma, a major part of why they are third in Serie A, one point from top. In ten league appearances, the creative midfielder has scored five times and contributed five assists - he also has netted twice in the Champions League. The 25 year old has 63 international caps to his name, with nine goals, the last of which came against Iran in last year’s World Cup, a drought he will be hoping to end against Ireland.

Past meeting…

Republic of Ireland 1 (Long) Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
Friendly, May 2012

Form Guide…

Bosnia and Herzegovina: WWWLDW

Republic of Ireland: LWWWDD

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 20.45pm, Friday 13 November

TV: Sky Sports 1 HD, coverage starts from 19.45pm