There are so many reasons to love the Premier League and so much to play for, but the Golden Boot is sometimes less recognised unless it’s a breath-taking tally of goals.
Mo Salah broke records last year as he scored 32 goals- the most in a 38-game season to beat Tottenham’s Harry Kane. But can he regain the honour? Football betting companies like Betway make Salah the second favourite to replicate the feat with Harry Kane the favourite at 5/2.
But who else should be considered a favourite and which players would make for a good outside bet?
Romelu Lukaku
Manchester United’s Belgium striker shouldn’t be discounted from the race. Last season’s tally of 16 goals in 34 appearances made for a solid first season at Old Trafford but it did make for his lowest tally in three seasons.
His draught throughout December and January badly hampered his chances of the Golden Boot and his sides chances of winning the league title too. Lukaku was brought in by Jose Mourinho to score the goals that United needed to punish the smaller teams in the league. He duly obliged with two goals on his Premier League debut against West Ham before scoring nine goals in his first nine games; breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record.
Following a successful World Cup, much of the same will be expected by United fans and with Lukaku almost certain to play every minute when fit, his chances of the Golden Boot would be pretty good considering of course he gets the chances that he needs to make it happen.
Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal’s number nine will be heading into his second season at the club hoping to build on his 14 goals for the Gunners following his £53 million transfer from Lyon. Emery has fans excited at the prospect of finally seeing Aubameyang and Lacazette starting together, he said: “I am not ruling out the possibility of a 4-4-2. That’s not the idea that I privilege, but if it allows me to be more competitive, then I’ll go towards it without hesitating. We sometimes used it in Sevilla.”
This would certainly increase Lacazette’s chances of goals as the movement of Aubameyang and players around the front two would give the Frenchmen a lot more space to work in. He has proven goal scoring ability with 100 goals in 201 appearances at Lyon. A record of nearly a goal every two games is something Arsenal fans should get excited about.
Lacazette will also be looking to prove Didier Deschamps wrong in the coming season as he was left out of the winning French national side in place of Oliver Giroud. With Emery’s trust it is massively likely that Lacazette will have a memorable year.
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian ace will be looking to improve on his 13 goals in his first full season at the Etihad. He was unfortunate to have picked up niggling injuries throughout the season which hampered his form, but one thing is for sure, he will get chances in this City team.
He can boast the backing from Pep Guardiola as he was favored over all-time Manchester City goal scorer, Sergio Aguero at times when he was fully fit. He will also be looking to bounce back following a hugely disappointing World Cup, in which the Brazilian media were quick to turn on their lack-luster striker.
Speaking about Jesus at his pre-match press conference before the Community Shield, Guardiola said: We cannot allow Gabriel to go out for another club because he is so young. His heart, his courage, his fight to put in every effort for the team is incredible.
“I never met one striker who fights like he does for the team. He always wants to know what he can do better and that is fantastic.”At just 21 years old, his potential is frightening but he must deliver a big season when it’s needed otherwise a club like City will need to find someone else to get the goals that they need.