It's time for the big one. The best part of two years worth of worry and doubt boils down to this. Two legs against Bosnia and we may be heading to another European Championships. We're nervous but we're going in with a bit of confidence.
With that confidence in mind, we've teamed up with Betway to offer you some great value bets ahead of tonight's first leg.
1. First up is Betway's rather delightful enhanced odds of 5/1 for Ireland to qualify.
We're not going into this clash with massive confidence. We were unseeded in the play-offs for a reason but even at that, we still have reason to hope. That win over Germany showed that, even when things are against us in terms of personnel, we can keep a clean sheet and have an effect at the other end of the pitch.
Everyone is predicting that we keep it tight at the back tonight. And if we manage to do that then the ball is in Ireland's court ahead of the second leg on Monday. A sold-out Aviva Stadium, the Euros on the horizon and some of our big hitters, hopefully, back in the team - you have to think we would have more than a fighting chance. With that in mind, that 5/1 offer looks very generous indeed.
2. Under 1.5 goals - 13/10
You could be more confident and take on a correct score bet of 0-0 at 6/1 or 1-0 to Ireland at 8/1 but we're going to be more pragmatic in this instance. This is one for the reserved individual, the thinker if you will. Ireland are going to defend as if our lives depend on it.
An away goal may be important but it's crucial that we come back to Dublin with something to play for. Keeping the Bosnians at bay is number one on O'Neill's list of priorities and we think Ireland are going to make a good go of it. At the other end, it's unlikely we'll have too many chances. Nick a goal, come away with a 1-0 win and we'll be chuffed. Under 1.5 goals is a very good value bet.
3. Away team first goalscorer - Robbie Brady - 10/1
Speaking of nicking a goal. Robbie Brady is due couple of decent free kicks. His performance against Poland left a lot to be desired but that's okay. One to the next one and all that. Brady has a reputation as a set-piece specialist and it's time that came to the fore for Ireland once again.
With no Shane Long and no Jon Walters, it's going to be difficult for us to score from open play. A lot of our hopes will depend on set-pieces and with that in mind, we think there's a bit of value in Brady at as our first goalscorer at 10/1. If you're feeling confident that Ireland will score more than once, you can get Brady as an anytime scorer at 7/1.
4. Half time correct score - 0-0 - 5/4
We're back to thinking about defences. If whatever about 90 minutes, you have to think that the first 45 will be a very cagey affair. We'll go out to frustrate but Bosnia will be wary of the counter attack as well. This isn't going to be one for attacking football purists. You have to think it's likely both sides will go in at half-time without having conceded.
All in all, what we're expecting to see then is Ireland to win 1-0 with a Robbie Brady free-kick some time in the second half. It's a certainty.
