THE RETURN of the Premier League means the Golden Boot is back up for grabs.
But who will come out on top in 2019/20?
Jamie Vardy currently leads the way ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Arsenal striker failed to add to his 17-goal tally at Manchester City on Wednesday.
A sea of top players then follow with Sergio Aguero and Mohamed Salah closely tailed by the likes of Danny Ings, Marcus Rashford and Raul Jimenez.
After last year’s three-way tie for the honour, you wouldn’t bet against a number of players finishing level in this season’s fiercely competitive race.
Here, SunSport looks at which forwards are banging in the goals in 2019/20, which are well-placed to continue doing so after the restart and how the current odds look on them claiming the top scorer award…
Jamie Vardy – 19 Goals
Vardy leads the way as the restart beginsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Getting 33-year-old Vardy firing was one of the central tenets of Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes manifesto when he took charge of the club last year.
And with four braces and a hat-trick to his name, the former Fleetwood striker is certainly capable of turning on the style.
A double in the pre-shutdown win over Aston Villa ended a run of eight games without a goal in all competitions.
Whether Leicester get that Vardy or the one who bagged ten in eight over the winter will be key to his Golden Boot hopes.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 17 goals
A tough night back gives way to more palatable fixtures for AubameyangCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal forward Aubameyang may be playing for his future in the weeks ahead, with the Gunners potentially prepared to cash in if they fail to make Europe.
If he is to persuade a new club to throw in a serious bid, he will need better service than his side’s paltry offering at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
Still, last season’s joint-top scorer feasts on struggling sides and can get back on track against Brighton on Saturday.
Upcoming clashes with Norwich, Tottenham, Watford, Aston Villa and Wolves will certainly give Aubameyang hope – as he has scored against each of those teams already this season.
Mohamed Salah – 16 goals
Salah has 14-goal compadre Sadio Mane for company in the scoring chartsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
No title-winning team has boasted the Golden Boot victor since Robin van Persie’s immaculate debut season at Manchester United seven years ago.
But records are made to be broken and Liverpool’s impending first-in-30-years crowning could be matched by Salah’s sprint to the finish.
With no FA Cup or Champions League to worry about, Jurgen Klopp may fancy playing his strongest team to the very end of the campaign, in pursuit of the Premier League points record.
The lack of fans at Anfield may harm Salah’s cause though, given that 14 of his 16 league strikes have come at home.
Sergio Aguero – 16 goals
Aguero almost came back with a bang on Man City’s returnCredit: PA:Press Association
Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy is the scourge of the Fantasy Football managers and it may well hold back Sergio Aguero from winning this year’s Golden Boot.
Only three goals off the top as things stand, the Argentine has made NINE fewer Premier League starts than top-scorer Vardy.
Reduced to a ten-minute cameo versus Arsenal upon his side’s return, the Manchester City forward came incredibly close to extending his tally nevertheless, but had his effort turned onto the post before Phil Foden scored the rebound.
Statistically speaking, the runners-up elect have one of the easiest run-ins going and Aguero will hope to make hay… if he’s given the chance.
Outside Bets
Football’s 100-day delay has allowed a number of previously injured strikers a chance to regain fitness for the final weeks.
Marcus Rashford, on 14 goals, and Tammy Abraham, on 13, are both back in the mix having lost valuable game time in the spring.
Fellow England youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the league’s in-form striker going into the break, boasting five goals in his last seven outings to reach 13 for the campaign.
The delay may turn into a blessing or a curse for those whose hot streaks were interrupted by the shutdown – with Southampton’s Danny Ings resuming on 15 goals as he looks to extend his surprise bid for the Golden Boot.
You can find the latest odds for all the top scorer contenders at Ladbrokes by clicking here.
Watch highlights from Man United’s friendly vs West Brom, including Andreas Pereira brace, cheeky Tahith Chong goal and silky skills from Marcus Rashford
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
