If there is one thing the Premier League hasn’t lacked this year, it’s plenty of goals to keep fans on the edge of their seats. In fact, the 2020-21 season has been packed with some crazy results and high-scoring encounters, such as Manchester United losing 1-6 at home against Tottenham Hotspur early in the season, then going on to thrash Southampton 9-0 at the start of February.
The goals have certainly been flowing, spicing up the Premier League betting odds in a variety of different markets. This has made following both teams to score (BTTS) and over/under scoring odds all the more appealing, trying to predict the final outcome of games between English teams. But which teams and players are leading the way, collectively and individually?
Manchester City
For many of the leading online bookmakers, the 2020-21 Premier League title race is nearly over already. Manchester City have such a big points advantage at the top of the table, it’s hard to see anyone catching the side managed by Pep Guardiola. Interestingly, one thing they don’t boast is anyone amongst the top scorers in the league but they do have a knack for scoring from different positions.
Central midfielder Ilkay Gündogan is actually the leading scorer for Man City, scoring 12 goals in 23 Premier League appearances. By comparison, forwards Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez both have 9 goals apiece, achieved from almost the same number of appearances. After 30 games, 17 different individual scorers have contributed a total of 64 goals, which indicates that collective effort is more important for City, rather than who applies the finishing touch.
Manchester United
Although it seems unlikely Manchester City will suffer a slump in form, that won’t stop Manchester United from battling to close the gap at the top of the table. However, compared to their neighbours, the Red Devils have become increasingly reliant on the scoring form of Bruno Fernandes. The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder is vital, having scored 16 of their 56 team goals after 29 games.
United are always capable of scoring many goals, yet they also have a leaky defence, and that often catches the eye of betting tipsters. In fact, 55% of their matches have resulted in successful both teams to score bets, which is the second-highest in the Premier League this season. That is also underlined by 3.03 average goals per match, indicating that whether scoring or conceding, the side managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a popular choice for bettors.
Golden Boot
As we reach the final stretch of the 2020-21 season, the race for the Premier League Golden Boot award is warming up nicely. Having already mentioned the importance of Bruno Fernandes for Manchester United, his 16 goals make the Portuguese star a leading candidate. Nevertheless, he is tied with Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, who has netted 16 goals in 26 appearances.
For the greatest contribution towards team goals, however, we need to look at the Merseyside duo of teams. At Everton, the 14 goals by Dominic Calvert-Lewin account for 35% of the team goals for the Toffees, highlighting the increased reliance on his form. Mohamed Salah has also contributed 35% of team goals for Liverpool this season, scoring 17 in 28 appearances, despite the Reds having struggled. The battle for the Golden Boot award will go right down to the wire.