Liverpool duo the men to back in Premier League top scorer race
Published:Luis Suarez may have only been available to Liverpool for two Premier League games, but the odds for the Uruguayan to be crowned the division’s top goalscorer have tumbled following his fine form following ingratiation back into the team.
The Reds have moved level with Arsenal at the top of the table following successive wins since Suarez’s return, in which he’s notched three goals in his ascent towards the summit of the division’s scoring charts.
Having effortlessly picked up from where he left off last season following suspension, his 5/1 to outdo his rivals in the Premier League scoring stakes may appeal to many.
Robin van Persie remains favourite to claim the accolade for the third season running at 9/2, but he’s only registered three this term and Manchester United’s early-season floundering has meant the Dutchman missed out on an opportunity to steal a march on his foes.
The fine form of Suarez’s Liverpool strike partner, Daniel Sturridge, must also make the England man a worthy contender to claim the prestigious crown.
The longevity of his value at 7/1 will depend on whether the former Manchester City and Chelsea man can stay fit, but six goals from his opening seven games is a very healthy return and he will surely be presented chances to bag on a more frequent basis now he’s partnered by Suarez.
Encouragingly for Sturridge backers, none of the top scorers from any of the previous seven campaigns have had a superior tally to his after seven matches, with only two – Didier Drogba in 2009/10 and Dimitar Berbatov in 2010/11 – being able to match it.
Similarly, those fancying his much-maligned strike partner to mount a charge to steal the mantle will be buoyed by the fact that in this same time frame both van Persie and Cristiano Ronaldo had managed just three goals by this stage of the season. Both of those players had made considerably more appearances to post these modest totals, yet went on to finish their respective seasons with hauls in the 30s.
The dearth of elite centre forwards in the Premier League at present means that the battle to win this award could swing one of many ways, but these two Liverpool stars are offering the best value at present.
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
