Premier League: Golden Boot Battle

Along with the title race, battle for European places, and the fight at the bottom to stay in the Premier League is the chase for the golden boot. For those who are unfamiliar, the golden boot is given to the top scorer in their respective league. This is, along with player of the year, one of the highest individual honors to receive, and achieving this mark in the Premier League is an incredible feat. Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah both have scored 21 goals this year, and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes is not far behind them with 18. TGH will look at their remaining matches of the season and predict who will be taking home this year’s golden boot.

Bruno Fernandes

Remaining matches: May 18 vs Fulham, May 23 at Wolves 

Last match against Fulham Fernandes disappeared and was subbed off late in the match. He had four total shots and created two chances. In two matches against Wolves this year, he provided the key assist in the 1-0 win on December 29. The Portuguese international did have three shots and an expected goals (xG) of .51 proving his attacking ability. Fernandes has scored two goals in his last three Premier League matches and four in the last five in all competitions. It is a tall task, but if Fernandes can convert one or two penalties, who knows.

TGH expected goals from matches: one goal

Mohamed Salah

Remaining matches: May 16 at West Brom, May 19 at Burnley, May 23 vs Crystal Palace

The last time Mo Salah scored against West Brom was April 21, 2018 and he was held to three shots at home this season to West Brom. Salah just has two assists in his last four matches against Burnley with no goals to show for. Salah bagged two goals in the 7-0 drubbing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. He has five goals and two assists in the last four meetings with Palace. The Egyptian has three goals in his last five Premier League games, scoring in a win last Thursday against rivals Manchester United. It will be tough for Salah to get all his chances in the final matches, due to such a high level of attackers around him.

TGH expected goals from matches: two goals

Harry Kane

Remaining matches: May 16 vs Wolves, May 19 vs Aston Villa, May 23 at Leicester

The last five matches have seen Kane score two against Wolves, but the last one coming in 2018. He scored two against Villa in the last three, including two late goals to seal the win in 2019. Against the team he was sent on loan to once upon a time, Leicester, he has scored three in his last three. The Englishmen has slowed up a bit, not scoring in his previous two matches, including a loss to Leeds United. Kane should be greedy coming down the stretch. 

TGH expected goals from matches: three goals

Final Golden Boot Tally:

24 – Harry Kane

23 – Mohamed Salah

19 – Bruno Fernandes