The 2023/24 Premier League season so far has proven to be one of the most competitive yet, demonstrated by three clubs all being in with a great chance of lifting the trophy.
It could be said that the contest for the top goal-scorer is also just as competitive with arguably five players all in with a great chance of winning this crown.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) and Dominic Salanke (Bournemouth) are all separated by three goals and each will be vying for more, while also hoping they stay fit.
Should Salah win, then it could be argued that Liverpool will also be crowned Premier League champions in manager Jurgen Klopp’s final season. A clinical Salah usually means that the Reds are sweeping aside their opponents in the blistering style we have grown so accustomed to seeing Liverpool play under the German manager.
Incredibly, the Egyptian has also been absent for eight weeks, due to his African Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty, where he also sustained a hamstring injury which delayed his return. As such, his haul of 15 goals in 28 league games so far (which trails current leader Haaland by three), is a remarkable feat when taking this into account.
Also, it could be argued that Liverpool have the easiest Premier League run-in against some susceptible defences including whipping boys Sheffield United.
Who Has The Strongest Case To Finish Top Scorer?
It would be fair to say that the smart money would be on Salah, though there really are some interesting games left to play in the league this season. Haaland demonstrated supreme quality during his debut season in which he scored over 50 goals in all competitions, though he has found it tougher during his second campaign, despite leading the charts with 18 goals in 28 league games.
City entertain challengers Arsenal at the end of March in what promises to be one of the game’s of the season and their talisman Bukayo Saka has hit 13 league goals in 28 league games himself this term.
There are some interesting games left in which all contenders have a chance. To bet on Premier League results, might not be the most straightforward solution, if you just want to enjoy the rest of the season without any stress!
Aston Villa have arguably been the surprise package of the season and, at one point were in with a small chance of being tipped as possible Premier League challengers, though despite this, have still been able to make a strong case to finish in the top four.
Boss Unai Emery has been able to get the best out of English frontman Ollie Watkins, who is having his best season under the Spaniard, having hit 16 goals after 29 league matches.
Being the team’s focal point also gives Watkins a potential advantage to finish as the Premier League top goalscorer, especially considering the direct way in which they play and the creativity behind him.
The team’s solid base also gives them a foundation to build attacks from and Watkins’ runs in behind opposition defences have proven to be dangerous this term, in addition to being clinical in the 18-yard box, getting on the end of crosses.
Fellow Englishman Solanke has also had somewhat of a breakthrough season, appearing to finally come of age in a Bournemouth side that has had mixed fortunes this term. He is undoubtedly the team’s talisman and will be crucial to helping the south coast club vie for a top half finish.
Solanke is well-placed with 15 goals (after 28 league games) and Bournemouth have somewhat of a comfortable run-in against shaky opposition defences. The club’s next three games following the international break represent great opportunities for Solanke to make a case for himself, with Everton, Crystal Palace and Luton standing in their way before Manchester United come to town.
Can An Outsider Upset The Odds?
It is highly unlikely that another player will break into that quartet, though anything can happen in football. Players can come from nowhere and go on a run, scoring three or four goals in one match, which then gives them a confidence boost to kick on.
Saka would be the likeliest player to do this, given the way in which the Gunners have disposed of teams over the last few games. Matches against a leaky Luton, Brighton, Wolves and Bournemouth each give the English attacker a chance to run riot. Jarrod Bowen and Son Heung-Min (both 14) are also ones to watch.
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