Andy Carroll could be the man to beat in the goalscoring charts this season
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If the bookmakers are to be believed, it is between Manchester United's two main strikers when it comes to picking the leading goalscorer in the Premier League this season. Javier Hernandez tops the billing and Wayne Rooney is second but I have a feeling that neither will end up on top of the pile.
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Now that's by no means a reflection on the ability of either man for they are both likely to score plenty of goals this season. The United wingers will provide lots of chances for them, but there has to be a good chance that they will split the goalscoring rather than notching a Thierry Henry-style 30 (or Alan Shearer for that matter).
In fact, it could be that the winner scores around the 20 goal mark, which brings in a whole host of players, including those who take penalties, which could potentially double their usual tally.
If Robin van Persie was more reliable, in terms of fitness, then I would have no hesitation in suggesting the Dutchman could top the list. He is an absolutely top-notch player with an excellent goals per game record. But because he seems to be unlucky with injuries and is only likely to play half the games in a season.
Betting bullets
- Andy Carroll to be top goalscorer in the Premier League this season - E/W 18/1 bet365
- Theo Walcott to be top goalscorer in the Premier League this season - E/W 80/1 bet365
If Chelsea could play to Fernando Torres's strengths then the Spaniard would surely be a good bet at 9/1 but he is still lacking a little of confidence. Sergio Aguero is a great signing for Manchester City but he may set up as many goals as he scores, something that could also be said for Liverpool's Paolo Suarez.
But another Liverpool striker could be the man worth following. Andy Carroll was scoring plenty of goals for Newcastle last season before he joined Liverpool and he was unlucky to suffer a couple of injuries later on.
The arrival of Stewart Downing on the left side of midfield could be the key for Carroll this season. Suarez will also help him score but the crossing ability of Downing, and the set-piece deliveries of Charlie Adam will have Carroll licking his lips this season.
He has looked sharp in pre-season and is already scoring goals and it seems that he has become leaner and fitter in the past couple of months. If he stays fit, he could make a mockery of his price of 18/1 with bet365.
Others will flirt with the top of the list in the early stages but it is usually one player in a team scoring lots of goals and doing well who will emerge, and Carroll fits the bill, with very few players further down the betting really looking worth it.
Dimitar Berbatov is tempting at 25/1 but we don't know whether he will stay at United or be playing elsewhere. His record is good, though, so don't rule him out.
But if you're looking for a big outsider, then why not try Theo Walcott at 80/1. It is about time the Arsenal man really took a step up to become the world beater everyone knows he could be. If Arsene Wenger plays him a little more centrally, he could get twice as many goals as usual. And if he stays fit - the really important part - then he has the ability.
Bet365 are paying 1/4 the odds the first four, which works out at 20/1 if he finishes second, third or fourth, which is pretty good.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondent
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Simon Cambers
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant
