January sales could affect Austin and Championship top scorer scene
Published:7/4 Charlie Austin would currently appear a shoo-in for the Championship top scorer award, with the Burnley striker having scored 12 times in just nine league appearances so far.
The 23-year-old has already smashed two hat-tricks this term, and those goals have contributed to him gaining a four-goal lead over his nearest top-scorer rival.
But whilst the maintenance of Austin’s current strike rate would see him break the 40-goal barrier this term, it could be wise to approach that 7/4 price with caution.
That notion stems from the widespread interest that Austin is likely to attract come January, with Burnley thought to be bracing for bids from a host of top-flight sides.
Therefore, other options could be worth considering, with eight-goal Luciano Becchio, currently second in the top scorer standings, a 10/1 chance.
Leeds are currently performing well in the Championship, and the Argentinian’s goals could prove vital to an Elland Road promotion push.
Meanwhile, one of the Championship’s most expensive talents is slightly preferred to Becchio in this market, with Jordan Rhodes a 9/1 hope to be the division’s top scorer.
Rhodes has five goals in nine appearances this term, but will hope to replicate the sort of form that saw him hit 36 League One goals last season.
Those displays convinced Blackburn to pay £8m for his services, and the Scottish international will be desperate to repay his club’s faith by outscoring his divisional rivals at Championship level.
Amongst other options, 16/1 Craig Davies has impressed en route to hitting seven league strikes this season, but could struggle to challenge by the season’s end in an unfancied Barnsley side.
And the same can be said for six-goal Darius Henderson, who, at the same price as Davies, looks like he could be held back by a Millwall team with faint top-half aspirations.
As an alternative option, David Nugent could give punters a run for their money at 20/1.
Performing well for improving Leicester, Nugent has racked up five goals in his last five games, and is a regular fixture in Nigel Pearson’s promotion-chasing outfit.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
