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Robin van Persie's probable transfer and the effect this could have on Wayne Rooney makes for Golden Boot uncertainty. Adam Bate thinks the Chelsea star may be the answer

Robin van Persie was the top scorer in the Premier League last season and the only man to hit the 30-goal mark.

This year his future at Arsenal is in doubt, but the question punters need to be asking is whether that will affect his golden boot chances.

While a move to Juventus would clearly scupper those hopes, Van Persie would appear likely to retain a pivotal role at the Emirates Stadium if he stays – and a move to Manchester United may mean even more goals.

Premier League Top Goalscorer - 2012/13
Odds courtesy of Paddy Power
Sergio Aguero	7/1
Wayne Rooney	8/1
Robin van Persie	9/1
Fernando Torres	10/1
Carlos Tevez	16/1
Luis Suarez	16/1

Van Persie is 9/1 (10.0) with Paddy Power to retain his crown as Premier League top scorer.

The Dutchman’s chief challengers in the previous campaign were Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero.

Rooney made a flying start with two hat-tricks by September 10 and if he can continue to develop an understanding with Shinji Kagawa he will expect to beat last season’s tally of 27 goals.

But the bookmakers’ favourite to be top scorer is Aguero. The first campaign in English football is supposed to be difficult, but the 24-year-old scored on debut and with the last kick of the season.

The Argentine is available at 7/1 (8.0) while Rooney can be backed at 8/1 (9.0) with Paddy Power.

The last of the big-gun favourites is Fernando Torres and with Didier Drogba now gone the path could be clear for the Spaniard to get the games he needs to feature here.

With Chelsea investing heavily in attacking midfielders in the summer – all ready to provide the service for Torres – he looks a good price at 10/1 (11.0).

Carlos Tevez showed glimpses of his potential including the pick of the goals in the Community Shield and he can be backed at 16/1 (17.0) with Paddy Power.

Among the outside picks, talismanic figures at mid-ranking sides can be a strong each-way pick.

For example, Aston Villa’s Darren Bent and Everton’s Nikica Jelavic can both expect to be the focal point of the attack and if they stay fit for 38 games could make a mockery of their 30/1 (31.0) price. But the value bet in this market is to back Liverpool forward Fabio Borini.

The 21-year-old scored on Anfield debut in the Europa League and looks set for a major role in Brendan Rodgers’ new Reds side.

Luis Suarez (16/1) was asked to lead the line for much of last season but he is more suited to the role of support striker and if Liverpool can progress then the chances will surely come for Borini instead.

The Italian international may be a chunky price at 40/1 (41.0) with Paddy Power and worthy of an each-way investment which sees bets settled as winners if he was to finish in the top four goalscorers at the end of the season.

BET

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BEST BET

VALUE BET

Fernando Torres at 10/1 (11.0) with Paddy Power

Fabio Borini each way at 40/1 (41.0) with Paddy Power

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Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on