The Favourites ...
Liverpool's Fernando Torres (20-23) is playing again after an injury sidelined him for several weeks. Managed to get the winner against Blackburn -but what price that he comes back from international duty with another knock?
Those who thought that Didier Drogba (39-42) would be jaded after the African Cup of Nations should think again -the Ivorian is looking as lively as ever! Still enough games to catch Rooney at the top, but will need to get another ten goals to secure the Golden Boot crown.
Harry Redknapp acquired Jermain Defoe (27-30) 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 16 goals this time round. Got a slight injury against Everton, so worth keeping an eye on his availability this week.
Shrek look-a-like Wayne Rooney (53-56) has blown the opposition away with four goals against Hull! Followed it up with goals against Arsenal and two against West Ham. Five more goals should secure the title.
The Contenders ...
With a fresh start at new club Sunderland, Darren Bent (24-27) has a great chance to finish as the league's top marksman. Ammunition will be provided by Richardson, Malbranque and fellow new-arrival Cattermole.
After a great run earlier in the season, the last few games have drawn blanks for the former Spurs striker -as his team look to avoid getting drawn into a relegation battle.
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...
Robin Van Persie (Susp.) came back badly injured from international duty with the Netherlands and is looking as though he will be out for 4 months. One of our pre-season picks, he looks like he is out of the running.
Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor (Susp.) has been scoring steadily without setting the world alight. Would benefit from a regular run of games -especially home matches.
The market makers have the 'Incredible Sulk' Nicolas Anelka (4-6) 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 (0.25-1) is back! Well almost back, he's currently out with a short-term problem.
The Outsiders...
The enigma that is Dimitar Berbatov (5-7) 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 (8 this season), but his performances are not living up to his top billing.
Russia's favourite son Andrey Arshavin (3-5) 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 is out injured. Now enjoying a spell on the sideline himself.
Sporting Index might be better running a spread on how many weeks Michael Owen (Susp.) 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 (Susp.) is now playing in Brazil -best place for him if you ask most Man City fans.
Once touted as the new wonderkid, Carlton Cole (5-7) 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 (0-0.5) 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 -just returned from injury with a substitute role last week.
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.
