He’s a goal-scoring machine, so it’s no wonder Manchester United’s superstar striker Sergio Aguero is the $3.50 favourite to win the Golden Boot with CrownBet.com.au.
The Argentinean superstar bagged 26 goals in an injury hit season last campaign and, with a measure of health, is expected to improve on that stunning total.
There’s a good chance Aguero will have one game less than everyone else to chase the Golden Boot, with manager Manuel Pellegrini hinting he will miss the first game with West Bromwich Albion.
“I think in football it’s so important to work hard, but also resting has the same importance,” Pellegrini said.
“You have so many games throughout the year that if you don’t give them 30 days after they’ve finished their internationals, it’s very difficult for them to work hard.
“It’s more difficult for the South American players because Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho finished later, the first days of July, so they won’t have 30 days.
“I think when we return to Manchester they will start their preseason. Maybe they will not be involved in the first game, but I am sure they will work hard and will be involved as soon as they can.”
Chelsea Spanish bull Diego Costa is the man tipped to give Aguero the most grief, the superb finisher, who also struggled with injury throughout last season, a $6.50 chance.
Costa struggled towards the end of last season with a hamstring problem but has been training in full flow.
“He has been working on this and his fitness and it is already showing in training,” team mate Cesar Azpilicueta said.
“His aim is to be 100 per cent all season from the start to the end.”
English wunderkind Harry Kane came from the clouds at Tottenham last season, going on a scoring streak that gave him 21 goals, good enough for second on the table, and making him an overnight household name in the process.
He is the nearest challenger to the two out and out guns at a hefty $13.
Transfer rumours swirl about the England Under 21, with Manchester United apparently very keen, but he appears to be focussing on being right for the first game, after playing at the European Championships, ahead of the opening round against the Red Devils.
“I don’t think I’ll miss the start of the season, there’s more than enough time to be ready for the start of the season,” Kane said.
“Even though I’m away, it’s not always physically a problem as sometimes you need to get away mentally as well.
“I still keep myself fit and in shape, it isn’t like I just let myself go, so I’ll be ready for the start of the season for sure.”
United’s Memphis Depay is the only new signing even close in the market, rated a $17 chance, along with team mate Wayne Rooney, new Liverpool man Christian Benteke, his team mate Daniel Sturridge, and Arsenal pair Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.
Dutchman Depay led the Eredivisie in goal scoring last season with 22 goals, but he says he doesn’t set targets.
“I never do that,” Depay said.
“It is important to do well for the team.
“If I score goals or get assists, I will do that.
“I will put pressure on myself to play well in every game but I have to improve.
“The Premier League is different.
“I want to be a legend at some time.
“But the important thing to do is to focus on the next game … because I have to do my job in every game.”
English Premier League Golden Boot Markets for 2015/16
Sergio Aguero ($3.50)
Diego Costa ($6.50 with CrownBet.com.au)
Harry Kane ($13)
Alexis Sanchez ($17)
Christian Benteke ($17)
Daniel Sturridge ($17)
Memphis Depay ($17)
Olivier Giroud ($17)
Wayne Rooney ($17)
Eden Hazard ($19)
Wilfried Bony ($23)
Roberto Firmino ($26)
Robin van Persie ($26)
Theo Walcott ($26)
Loic Remy ($34)
Edin Dzeko ($41)
Romelu Lukaku ($41)
Danny Ings ($51)
Diafra Sakho ($51)
Graziano Pelle ($51)
Phillipe Coutinho ($61)
Saido Berahino ($61)
Bafetimbi Gomis ($67)
Callum Wilson ($67)
Charlie Austin ($67)
Danny Welbeck ($67)
* Odds provided by Crownbet.com.au
