2009/2010: The Golden Boot

The race to become the Premier League’s leading goal scorer is always an intriguing affair, and the new season should prove no different with a wealth of attacking players vying for the honour. As The Football Blog continues its build up to the 2009/2010 season, we take a look at the main contenders for the golden boot.

With 19 goals, last season’s honour went to Nicolas Anelka who will again be looking for a decent return. New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is understood to prefer two up front, which in theory should favour the Frenchman. Much hinges on the form and fitness of his potential strike partner, Didier Drogba, who looks to be another leading candidate. Injury limited his opportunities last season and he will be looking to make amends in the new term. Team mate Frank Lampard, with 12 goals from midfield last season, also can not be discounted.

Despite losing Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United still boast a potent attacking threat. Wayne Rooney had publicly stated that he will make up for Ronaldo’s loss with an increased tally, and the England striker should improve on his tally of 12 last season. As outside bets, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen may surprise a few people. Berbatov is another who has vowed to improve on his contribution last season, whilst many are predicting Owen to be a surprise package.

Across the city, Manchester City will be hoping the millions they have spent will translate to an increased goal tally. Much hinges on the system that Mark Hughes decides to play, but having had a season to adapt to the English game, Robinho may well improve on the 14 goals he contributed last season. Should he remain injury free, Emmanuel Adebayor will also be looking to be amongst the league’s top scorers. Carlos Tevez may not be recognised as a prolific goal scorer, yet he may surprise a few even he is given the freedom and game time he craves.

Following Adebayor’s move to Eastlands, Arsene Wenger will be hoping for a greater contribution from Robin Van Persie to fill the void. The Dutchman certainly has the potential to score over 20 a season, but a lot depends on how often Wenger rests a player who was by no means overworked last season. Andrey Arshavin should also make a healthy contribution from a deeper role, the four goals he scored against Liverpool last season is testament to how devastating he can be.

Liverpool themselves have two outstanding candidates themselves in the form of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, who they will be hoping both remain fit for the entirety of the season. Their absences at different periods last season highlighted their importance, and more specifically their goals, to Liverpool. With 16 and 14 goals respectively last time out, they will both be hopping to avoid lengthy spells on the treatment table and press their claim for the golden boot.

Whilst there are sure to be goals aplenty next season, it remains to be seen who will manage to score most of them. What do you think? Are you backing any of the candidates mentioned? Or do you think it will be somebody other than these leading contenders? As ever, let us know your thoughts.