The Favourites ...
Liverpool's Fernando Torres (20-21) is out for the rest of the season after a recurring hamstring injury. Should be fit again in time for the World Cup (then injured again for the start of Liverpool's next campaign...).

Those who thought that Didier Drogba (47-50) would be jaded after the African Cup of Nations should think again -the Ivorian is now level at the top of the table with Rooney. It will go down to the final game against Wigan at home.

Harry Redknapp acquired Jermain Defoe (23-25) from his old club Pompey -with the hope that his goals would propel them into the top six. Well Harry must be happy with Defoe's haul of 18 goals this time round. Picked up one against Chelsea and will be hoping to finish the season off in style by reaching the magic 20 mark.

Shrek look-a-like Wayne Rooney (Susp.) has been reeled in by Drogba and now has only the home game against Stoke to put his nose out in front again.

The Contenders ...
With a fresh start at new club Sunderland, Darren Bent (33-36) has execelled this season, but with only one game to go, he will be pushed to catch the top two.

Not sure what has happened to Steven Gerrard (1-3) this season? Last year was a breakout year for Gerrard -scoring 16 times in just 30 appearances, the difference being the number of free kicks and shots on goal that the England man took. Back after injury and hungry for goals -his brace against Burnley gives him a shout at reaching double figures.

Robin Van Persie (0.25-1) came back from injury against Wigan after 4 months out. Will write this season off.

Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor (13-15) has been scoring steadily without setting the world alight. Would benefit from a regular run of games -especially home matches. Two against the hapless Burnley, but still way down the charts.

The market makers have the 'Incredible Sulk' Nicolas Anelka (1-3) as only ninth favourite to retain his Golden Boot crown that he won last term with a lowish total of 19 goals. With Drogba electing to stay at Chelsea and becoming Ancelotti's first-choice frontman, it may limit the chances for Anelka has this time round. Eight goals so far and he seems to be playing wider than normal -creating chances for others.

After suffering an horrific injury and having a year on the sidelines, Eduardo (0-0.2) is back! Well almost back, he's currently out with a short-term problem.

The Outsiders...
The enigma that is Dimitar Berbatov (10-12) won't be pleased that he seems to have started this season at his club Man Utd on a job-share with fellow striker Michael Owen. The Bulgarian, who cost £30m, must have thought he would be first-choice after the departure of Carlos Tevez to local rivals City. Is now starting to find the net (12 this season), but his performances are not living up to his top billing and may be off to Munich in the summer.

Russia's favourite son Andrey Arshavin (Susp.) found the net recently against Bolton and should be finding it more regularly now that Wenger has him playing as an out-and-out striker whilst van Persie was injured. Now enjoying a spell on the sideline himself.

Sporting Index might be better running a spread on how many weeks Michael Owen (0-0.1) will go before he is injured and out for six weeks with a strained hamstring. Whilst his move to Man Utd was somewhat of a surprise -it will be more of a shock if he scores more than a dozen goals. His quote is about right, as he may not start enough games to build up a head of steam. An unexpected hatrick in the Champions League may be good for his self-confidence -but is no good if you are sitting on the bench! Pulled up in the Carling Cup Final after 20 minutes with an injury, what a surprise...

The Brazillian wizard De Souza Robinho (0-0.1) is now playing in Brazil -best place for him if you ask most Man City fans.

Once touted as the new wonderkid, Carlton Cole (0.5-2) was just finding his feet at West Ham -then he got injured. His current strike rate at the Hammers is around a goal every four games -which should see him bagging around twelve goals this term. You decide whereabouts that will put him on the list of goalscorers...

The Wolves' striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (0-0.1) set the Championship alight last season, scoring 25 times in 39 league games! Although he will undoubtedly find it more difficult against Premiership defences, the U21 international has a great presence in front of goal -and has finally found the net from open play with a goal against Blackburn.

So Who Should I Back?
Our three picks at the start of the season are as follows: Darren Bent buy @ 13, Robin van Persie buy @ 12 and Steven Gerrard sell @ 14. All three are good value and deserve your full attention!

What about this week?
We will be updating the spreads and information after each round of Premiership games -so keep visiting this page to find out who has been moving in the Sporting Index Golden Boot Market.