PERHAPS THE MOST surprising thing about Ireland’s starting XI on Friday night was that it wasn’t in the least bit surprising.
Martin O’Neill has a habit of keeping us guessing when it comes to his team selections but injuries and suspensions forced his hand in Zenica.
Now, with Robbie Brady’s precious away goal in the bag, Ireland are just 90 minutes away from a place at next summer’s European Championships.
We’re all set for a massive night in the sold-out Aviva Stadium.
O’Neill has a slightly bigger squad to play with ahead of this evening’s leg with Jon Walters returning from suspension, while Shane Long and John O’Shea took full part in training yesterday but remain significant fitness doubts.
Barring a miraculous recovery before 7.45pm, both are likely to start among the substitutes.
There is also a question mark over Daryl Murphy, who picked up a calf injury in Bosnia, but Walters is available to replace him as the lone front man in a straight swap.
The only other expected change is at left-full where Marc Wilson could start in place of Stephen Ward.
Ireland v Bosnia – Predicted XI
Randolph
Coleman-Keogh-Clark-Wilson
Hendrick-Whelan-McCarthy-Brady
Hoolahan
Walters
