Who will be next season's Premier League top goalscorer?

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 05 August 2013

Sports Mole assesses five players who could become the Premier League's leading goalscorer next season.

It is that time of the year where punters head to the bookies or log into their online accounts to place their bets for the forthcoming Premier League season.

In truth, with the introduction of in-play betting, there isn't too much that you cannot wager on these days. However, one of the biggest markets often centres around which player will score the most goals.

With that in mind, Sports Mole offers five contenders for the prize with differing values.

Man Utd striker Robin Van Persie celebrates his goal against Wigan on January 1, 2013

Robin van Persie
The Dutchman's 56 goals in the previous two campaigns (30 for Arsenal and 26 for Manchester United) have seen him collect the goalscoring gong on both occasions. So, what are the chances of a hat-trick? He will turn 30 tomorrow - still a prime age for a centre-forward. What's more, if United can add the creative midfield player that they so yearn for, Van Persie will only benefit. Providing that he can steer clear of injuries, RVP will be in with a shout.
Odds: 3/1

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring his second against Leeds in the FA Cup 5th round on February 17, 2013

Sergio Aguero
In what was an injury-hit campaign, the Argentine still managed 12 Premier League goals last term. The season before is when Aguero truly showed his credentials, though, hitting the back of the net 23 times, including the goal that sealed the title in dramatic fashion. If the 25-year-old can keep himself on the pitch rather than in the treatment room, then he is bound to score at least 20 goals for the Citizens.
Odds: 7/1

Christian Benteke celebrates scoring the winner for Aston Villa on November 27, 2012

Christian Benteke
Next season will provide Benteke with the perfect opportunity to show that he is the real McCoy. Defenders will now be a bit more wise to the Belgium international's strengths and have special tactics to nullify his threat. If the 22-year-old can overcome that, then there is no reason why he can't have another profitable campaign in front of goal. He will need to score more than the 19 that he got last time out, though.
Odds: 18/1

Spain's Alvaro Negredo in action against Portugal during Euro 2012 on June 27, 2012

Alvaro Negredo
If the Negredo can replicate the form that he showed in Spain with Sevilla over the coming months at the Ethiad Stadium, then he could well take the award. His 25-goal contribution for Los Rojiblancos last campaign was only beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 27-year-old should also flourish alongside Jesus Navas, who joined City from Sevilla this summer as well. The winger likes to get to the byline and send over crosses, where Negredo will no doubt be lurking to head goalwards.
Odds: 20/1

New Swansea signing Wilfried Bony makes his debut against Reading on July 27, 2013

Wilfried Bony
Strikers arriving from the Netherlands soon learn that there is a world of difference between the Eredivisie and the Premier League. While some adapt (Ruud van Nistelrooy), others (Mateja Kezman) don't. Bony scored 31 times in 30 outings for Vitesse Arnhem last season, which prompted the Swans to part with £12m for his signature. Time will tell if the Ivory Coast international proves to be a useful addition, but his form during pre-season has indicated that he could well be. Also, considering the way that Swansea play their football, he won't be lacking in the chances department.
Odds: 50/1