Who should I put my 10 pound on? by Dan Smith
It’s the time of the year to start thinking about our bets for the upcoming season (if you’re that way inclined). According to most bookies, the Arsenal striker Aubameyang starts 3rd favourite to win the Golden boot (6-1).
Of course it’s the Gabon’s strikers first full campaign with us. While he’s found it easy to find the net since arriving January, most of those games had an end of season feel to them. Now we will see if he can handle the pressure. To be fair even with his attitude in question at Dortmund his goal/game ratio was world class.
The assumption was he’d start ahead of Lacazette but early signs in pre-season suggest they might play together. Both could line up on the left, something to consider when making your choice. Both have proven they are natural finishers but more is to come as they continue to garner an understanding with their team-mates. An outside price for Lacazette to score more then any one else is 16-1.
Here are their most likely rivals and prices.
Kane (2-1)
Has proven he will be there or thereabouts. No man scored more times at the World Cup than him but it was noticeable how he tired mentally when the pressure increased.
Salah (5-1)
Some fans are wondering about second season syndrome? Certainly managers will now have tactics to target the Egyptian. Can’t see this Liverpool side not making chances though.
Lukaku (6-1)
Hasn’t been able to shake the reputation of a man who fails to score in the big games. Should be put into context when you consider his manger’s approach to such fixtures. As long as Jose is your boss I want a bigger price
Aguero (7-1)
Good odds when you consider he consistanly gets into double figures. Perhaps doubts exist over how many minutes he gets with peers who can fill in for him, something his rival strikers don’t have to worry about.
Jesus (9-1)
An outside bet as Pep Guariloa has shown he is prepared to start the Brazilian ahead of Aguero, leading to doubt over the Argentine’s future. There’s no rush but the Brazilian has shown he’s ready when required.
Hazard, Morata and Firmino (all 25/1)
Will Hazard and/or Morata be at Stamford Bridge come the middle of August? Even if they are, both are not consistent enough for this award. In his career Hazard has picked and chooses if he wants to deliver. If he feels Chelsea can’t mount a title bid history shows he doesn’t pull his finger out.
Morata hasn’t justified his price tag and starts the campaign second choice to a Giroud.
Firmino works hard for others but is too unselfish to top the charts.