The Favourites ...
Liverpool's Fernando Torres (Susp.) will be lucky if he gets another ten games this season! After missing out with a persistent groin injury (that requires an operation), he now needs a knee operation following a knock in the FA Cup. He will be out until the end of February -so will be suspended in the betting until then.
Those who thought that Didier Drogba (36-39) had played his last game for Chelsea will be surprised to hear that he has signed a new long-term contract! Going well this season, he is carrying an injury which means Chelsea are picking and choosing his games very carefully. Back from the African Nations and scoring freely...
Harry Redknapp acquired Jermain Defoe (29-32) from his old club Pompey -with the hope that his goals would propel them into the top six. His haul of five goals against the hapless Wigan has propelled him close to the top of the goalscoring charts with 15 goals and the chance to win his first golden boot.
Shrek look-a-like Wayne Rooney (49-52) has blown the opposition away with four goals against Hull! He looks a cert for the golden boot now -even though the season is just over halfway through.
The Contenders ...
With a fresh start at new club Sunderland, Darren Bent (25-28) 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 in November, the last couple of games have drawn blanks for the former Spurs striker -as his team look to avoid getting drawn into a relegation battle.
A jury of his peers has found Steven Gerrard (1-3) guilty of being capable of scoring 12+ goals 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 (11-14) 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 (3-5) 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 (4-6) 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 and Bendtner are out injured.
Sporting Index might be better running a spread on how many weeks Michael Owen (0-0.5) 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!
The Brazillian wizard De Souza Robinho (Susp.) is back after an ankle/foot injury and looks like he may be playing for a move in the January transfer window. Best left well alone.
Once touted as the new wonderkid, Carlton Cole (Susp.) 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 ten goals this term. You decide whereabouts that will put him on the list of goalscorers...
The Wolves' striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (0.25-1) 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 -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.
