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We are in for yet another exhilarating season of Premier League football, with the teams looking as competitive as ever. Who’s going to win the league? It’s impossible to be certain- that’s how beautiful Premier League football is.
Every new season, there are loads of surprises. However, in this article, I try to do the difficult job of predicting the top five favorites for the golden boot, in this year’s unpredictable saga that is the English Premier League.
#5 Gabriel Jesus
This one is a bold prediction. No one expects a 21-year-old to become the top scorer of one of the most difficult leagues in the world. However, the man in the discussion is no ordinary 21-year-old. Gabriel Jesus has adapted excellently and quickly to the hardships of the premier league, and to the dynamism of Pep’s team.
Many expected him to be a substitute for the main man Sergio Aguero. Actually, that's what he was supposed to be for a few years. However, Sergio’s injury problems and his own stellar performances have earned Gabriel a place in the very competitive starting lineup of Manchester City.
Quick feet, quick reflexes, and a quick mind is what earned him Pep’s trust. A high work rate and a great work ethic have helped him fit into Pep Guardiola’s difficult system smoothly. And he has only himself to thank.
He finished as Man City’s third top scorer in the league, despite fierce competition from Sterling, Aguero, and Sane. Pep has shown trust in the young man, and had featured him in the starting eleven against Huddersfield, and brought him in a substitute against Arsenal and the Wolves.
Noticeably the Wolves, because it was when Man City were trailing. If Pep displays the same trust and if Jesus hits another gear, it wouldn't be too much of a surprise if Gabriel puts a dismissal world cup behind and has the season of his career.
#4 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang hasn’t had the best start to this season. He has failed to open his account three matches into the league and has missed few chances which should have been converted. However, those who know him, know better than to underestimate him. Aubameyang is one of the best strikers in the world. Insane pace and agility make him a constant threat whenever he is on the field.
Aubameyang joined Arsenal this January. A poor form last season could easily be justified as it would have been difficult for a new team in a new league. The only problem with that reasoning is that Aubameyang didn't have a poor season at Arsenal. He had a phenomenal season, with 10 goals and 4 assists in only 13 matches. That’s incredible for a new team, that too mid-season.
Arsenal’s slow start can be excused due to a new manager. However, Unai Emery has shown his teams pick up in performance as the season progresses (Three consecutive Europa Leagues with Sevilla). If that happens with Arsenal, you know who will be the main man in the Arsenal attack, and potentially the top scorer this season.
#3 Mohamed Salah
Last year’s record-breaking top scorer, Mohamed Salah can easily be bet on for a second consecutive golden boot. It was to be seen if he’s a one season wonder, and if the start of the season gives any clue, it’s clear that Salah is one special player.
He hasn’t yet reached the heights of last season, but definitely is putting up strong performances. Him playing as a winger may be considered a disadvantage. However, last season proves otherwise. Salah’s position doesn't matter- he definitely will have an impact on the game.
Liverpool have started the season fantastically, and are looking quite balanced. The front three have started exceptionally yet again, and have created multiple chances. Salah can ignore worrying over chances- he’ll get them. It’s all down to his finishing, which is quite amazing.
However, Liverpool’s attacking strength relies on its unity, and not on one man. So, one of Salah’s partners -Firmino and Mane could quite easily be the top scorer as well. What a fantastic time it is to be a Liverpool fan- any of their forwards could be the top scorer in the league.
2#2 Sergio Kun Aguero
Manchester City’s all-time top scorer, and already a club legend. There have been no signs of slowing down of the phenomenon that is Sergio Aguero. Unfortunate injuries have rigged his playing time in recent years. However, whenever he plays, he puts up sensational performances which make one wonder if the injuries even have an impact on him.
Last season, despite injuries, Sergio scored 21 goals with a whopping goal ratio of 0.84 per match. He also provided six assists. He’s certainly going to be the main man in the Manchester City attack this season, and with a KDB, David Silva, Leroy Sane, Mendy, and Walker around him, he will have a lot of chances to feed on.
If Sergio remains fit, and it looks like he will be this season, not many people would bet against him to finish as the top scorer of the Premier League.
#1 Harry Kane
Well, this guy was certainly going to be on the list. Two consecutive golden boots, and thirty goals last season and he’s only 25. It would be foolish to write this guy off the list. The England captain never seems to go out of form.
Golden Boot in the World Cup proved that he performs at the International level too. With an amazing goal ratio of 0.81, he was unfortunate to miss out on a hat-trick of golden boots, due to a stunning season by a certain man from Liverpool.
This season, he’ll be out to reclaim the title of the top scorer. Harry has broken his August Jinx and played a vital role in the 3-0 dismantling of Manchester United. Plus, he’s only getting started. Expect Harry to score 3-4 hat-tricks in the league, and be among the top scorers of the league.
And if you’re looking to bet, betting all your money on Harry wouldn't be too risky a decision to take. At the end of the season, Harry will most likely, proudly ‘claim’ the golden boot for this season’s Premier League.
