Promotion challengers provide value League One top scorer options

Tranmere’s 29 goals in 12 league games so far has made everyone sit up and take notice, with 22 of those strikes shared between just three players at Prenton Park.

That considered, odds of 11/1 regarding Jake Cassidy, 25/1 concerning Jean Akpa-Akpro, and 33/1 about Andy Robinson landing the League One top-scorer award look big.

Striker Cassidy currently tops the divisional goal charts, and continues to make a big impression during his second loan spell from Wolves.

He has notched eight League One goals this season so far, and after a successful temporary stint with Rovers last year, averages more than a goal every two games.

A potential deterrent to backing the Wales under-21 international to top score though, is the fact that he is currently scheduled to return to Championship side Wolves in January.

Rovers boss Ronnie Moore is sure to do his utmost to extend the deal, but his success in attempting to do so remains to be seen.

However, punters may not have to look far elsewhere for alternative options in the golden boot market.

Both Robinson and Akpa-Akpro each have seven league goals to their name thus far, and the latter in particular will be hopeful of breaking the 20-goal barrier.

His manager Moore has outlined that is the minimum tally he expects from the Frenchman, which should spur him on to challenge for the award.

Elsewhere, other promotion hopefuls look as though they could provide options to give punters a run for their money in the top-scorer betting.

Nick Blackman of Sheffield United has four League One strikes so far, and as the Blades remain favourites for the league title, the penalty taker will see some support at 11/1.

And four-goal Gary Alexander of Crawley could tempt punters at 20/1, along with play-off challenging Preston’s Akpo Sodje at the same price.

Sodje too has four league goals so far, two less than Portsmouth’s Izale McLeod, who is a 12/1 shot to outscore all others in League One.

And Crewe’s Ajay Leitch-Smith could prove a tempting longshot option for many, considering his three league goals for the season so far.

Leitch-Smith could be hampered playing in a side with lowly expectations, but those confident in his chances of being League One’s top scorer can back him at a massive 40/1.

Each-way bets return at 1/4 of of the odds for the top four players in the standings by the end of the season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.