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The season has begun and a number of Premier League strikers are battling to take home the Golden Boot. Here we look at the most likely candidates to take home the prize this season.
#5. Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette was Arsenal's big money signing in 2017 and it looked like he would lead the team for at least the next five years. However, when Arsenal signed Aubameyang in January 2018, Lacazette seemed to slip down the pecking order and was most useful to them in the Europa League.
Lacazette, however, seems to have finally forced himself into the first team and may now form a fearsome partnership with Aubameyang. Whilst Arsenal's defensive frailties are often highlighted, they are still one of the best teams going forward.
Chances will be presented to Lacazette, especially when Arsenal are playing on the bigger pitch at the Emirates. The fact that he will share goal scoring responsibility with Aubameyang does, however, relegate him to the outside contender of this list.
#4. Mohamed Salah
With the African Cup of Nations moved to the Summer of 2019, Salah will have the chance to defend his Golden Boot total. Salah will, of course, continue to score goals as part of Liverpool's fluid attacking style. The issue, however, is surely he will not be able to match his incredible figures from the 2017/18 season.
Salah will now have to contend with the fact that Premier League defences will now focus on the Egyptian forward and look to thwart his attacking influence. This coupled with the fact that he will have to share goals with both Mane and Roberto Firmino means that we will likely see a new top scorer in the current season.
#3. Harry Kane
Harry Kane is the most consistent scorer in the Premier League. He has hit at least 20 goals in each of his last four seasons and has played a vital role in Tottenham's reemergence. Service will continue to be provided by both Dele Ali and Christian Eriksen and with just Fernando Llorente as a backup, his place in the team is assured.
Despite his ability, his recent form has been in decline. Despite being top scorer in the World Cup, most of his goals came from set pieces and he failed to find the net in big games when England needed him most.
Whilst Kane will continue to score this season, he will struggle to earn his third Golden Boot due to his extensive summer with England and the fact that Spurs cannot afford to rest him. His rivals on this list will be rotated during European and Cup games and Kane simply does not have that luxury after Spurs failed to sign any players during the summer transfer window.
#2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
What can you say about this player? He has pace, is an excellent finisher and even contributes to build up play. He also has Mesut Ozil playing behind him and looking to create chances for the mercurial forward. An incredible start at Arsenal saw him score 10 goals in 13 appearances for a struggling team and he is now looking to build on this form.
The forward has an incredible chance to be the top scorer for the forthcoming season due to the fact that he is the first name on Arsenal's team sheet. He also has an advantage over rivals as the lack of Champions League football at the Emirates this season will see him rested for Premier League games.
If he stays injury free, expect him to score at least 25 goals and be strongly in the running for top scorer.
#1. Sergio Aguero
After seemingly being regarded as surplus to requirements at Manchester City a year ago, Aguero has since reinvented his game to fit into Pep Guardiola's system. After being dropped for the start of the 2017-2018 season, Aguero returned and scored a stunning 21 goals in 25 league matches.
Despite recently turning 30, the player has retained his blistering pace. Manchester City's rotation will also benefit the Argentine and keep him fresh for key Premier League games. Aguero's biggest advantage in the Golden Boot race is, of course, the fact that he is playing on the team that is easily the best in the league.
With Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva pulling the strings behind him, Aguero can expect to win the Golden Boot title for the second time in his career.
