Troy Parrott

Everything Parrott touches turns to gold right now. He was exceptional over the break for Ireland and returns to domestic action having got two goals and an assist in his last three for Betis.

He netted in three of four games over the break, including a brace against Austria.

Parrot managed 20 G/A for Alkmaar last season in just 29 games.

Betis are heavy favourites here and I’m backing them to win (spoiler for the next selection). If Betis play to their potential, the Irishman will be involved.

This feels like one of those moments in a players’ career where they really explode on a larger stage. Having netted the winner at home against Madrid and assisted the winner against Getafe, the stage is set for another big performance.

Real Betis are such a hard team to beat when they’re in front of their own fans and have won each of their three home games at the start of this campaign.

They’ve won these games without conceding a goal too, being the only side in LaLiga to keep a clean sheet in each of their three opening home matches. Their scoring power could be better from these games, but the overall control is worth factoring in to any angle in this game.

Osasuna have struggled on the road in LaLiga so far this season, winning just one of their three away matches. They’ve conceded 10 goals across these games (3.33 per game) - which is the third highest tally in LaLiga for sides when travelling away from home.

Betis beat Osasuna 2-0 in this fixture last season, and I can see a similar sort of scoreline playing out here with how both sides have started the season. I can’t see Osasuna being able to find a way past this stubborn Betis backline, and even if they do - it’s likely that they are outscored with their poor defensive record on the road. 

Another pro Betis selection here and one that has landed in all three of their home matches so far. They’ve averaged 4.67 corners per match on their own turf.

Osasuna have conceded plenty too, they’ve conceded an average of 4.57 and have allowed their opponents four or more in 86% of matches this season.

These numbers rise in away games. They’ve conceded 17 in three matches on their travels, an average of 5.67 per match.

This selection has been a winner against Osasuna in each of their away games this season.

Betis had 75% of the ball in their last home La Liga match, so forcing four corners shouldn’t be an issue.

The evergreen Croatian has started well yet again this season and has five goals in seven matches. Given that Osasuna have scored eight goals, it’s pretty obvious how crucial he is and Betis need to stop him to keep the visitors at bay.

That threat is clear to other sides and he’s been handled firmly so far this season.

Budimir has drawn a huge average of 2.86 ghouls per 90 and his 16 fouls drawn is double that of the next highest Osasuna player.

Budimir has been fouled in all of his appearances so far this season, even when coming off the bench. In-fact, when he’s started, he’s drawn at least two fouls in every game - so we should be safe with one here.