Bent is the best bet for English top scorer
Suggestions in some sections of the media that by scoring two scrappy goals against Colchester, Darren Bent had effectively booked his spot in England's starting line up for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria were a little overzealous.
However, by getting underway with three goals in three games, the Sunderland striker has shown that he is ready to deliver on his confident claim that he can live up to the high standard set by his first season on Wearside, in which he netted 24 times.
Despite finishing third in the Golden Boot standings in 2009-10, with a tally that would have seen him take top spot in two of the previous three campaigns, the 26-year-old is a [25.0] outsider to be the Premier League's leading goalscorer.
Admittedly, if Didier Drogba maintains the frightening form that he's started the season in, scoring three goals and setting up another three, the [3.55] favourite will prove as uncatchable as Cristiano Ronaldo was in 2007-08, but there are also tasty odds offered on Bent being top English goalscorer.
It already looks a very good bet at [5.8] because he practically guarantees you a run for your money. Bent has started a dozen or more Premier League matches in four seasons, earning the title of England's finest goal-grabber in one and ranking second or joint-second in each of the other three.
Wayne Rooney is understandably the [3.25] market leader but the former Charlton and Tottenham forward has a goal headstart and won't be intimidated by anybody of the names currently ahead of him - Andy Carroll ([8.4]), Theo Walcott ([19.5]), Craig Gardner, Marlon Harewood ([32.0]) and Kevin Nolan ([55.0]).
Agree that it's a good wager? Got an alternative suggestion? Then let us have it in the space below...
Published: 25 Aug 2010
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