The permutations are finished and the Euro 2016 play-off seedings are definitive. We now know the task at hand, at least in as much as we know we have to to beat a seeded team. The draw for the Euro 2016 play-off will take place on Sunday morning and there won't be another Estonia play-off situation for Martin O'Neill's side.
As expected, we are unseeded for the draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Sweden or Hungary awaiting us. Given that the likes of Croatia and the Netherlands were looking distinct possibilities a few weeks ago, it's not the worst outcome imaginable.
#EURO2016 play-off draw seedings confirmed!
Seeded: Bosnia, Ukraine, Sweden, Hungary.
Draw 11.20CET on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/tgniyD0FHh— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) October 14, 2015
UEFA have also confirmed that there'll be no preferential treatment for seeded teams in terms of home and away advantage. Whichever side is drawn out first will play the first leg at home with the first legs played over 12/13/14 November 2015 and the second legs taking place on 15/16/17 November 2015.
Martin O'Neill has given his take on the challenge which is set to be faced by his side and he's understandably dismissive of the difference between the seeded and unseeded team.
We’re in the play-offs now and we’ll have to wait and see what the draw brings us. I’m not going to spend the days leading up to Sunday hoping for one team over another.
Each one of the four seeded teams will present a challenge, and the four unseeded teams also present a severe test for the top four.
We're not concerned about whether we’re seeded or unseeded at this stage, and we’re confident to take on anyone.
That's fair enough but we're sure the Ireland boss won't mind too much if we all have our say on who we'd like to see come out of the hat.
