The Early Contenders' Chances of Winning the Premier League Golden Boot - Ranked

While the race for the Premier League title is often rather predictable these days, the race to become the division's top scorer remains an open book.

There's a plethora of incredible forwards scattered throughout the 20 teams in the English top flight, with a key talisman pivotal to every team's fortunes, be that searching for silverware, European qualification or fighting for survival.

It's already been a wild start to the 2020/21 Premier League campaign due to the lack of a pre-season and incredibly busy fixture schedule which has blown things wide open in the first few weeks. It's the same in the scoring charts, too, with several players looking likely to enjoy breakout campaigns.

Not all of them can finish top of the pile, though. Here's 90min's ranking of the early contenders for the Premier League Golden Boot.

11. Patrick Bamford - Leeds United

Current tally: 7

With seven goals to his name, Patrick Bamford sits joint-second in the goalscoring charts at the end of gameweek eight.

That's about seven goals more than most Premier League fans expected Bamford to score upon his return to the top flight, proving doubters wrong after some time to mature in the Championship.

The 27-year-old benefits from an intense, attacking system at Leeds, but will likely fall out of the running rather quickly in a few weeks time.

10. Callum Wilson - Newcastle

Current tally: 6

Wilson's six goals from eight league games so far this season means he's already just three strikes away from bettering his tally from 2019/20.

He looks refreshed thanks to a new challenge with Newcastle, but injuries could hold him back. As could Newcastle's occasionally suspect form.

9. Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa

Current tally: 6

There were question marks over Ollie Watkins when Aston Villa parted with £28m to secure his services and pull him out of the Championship in summer, but so far he's been worth every penny.

Inconsistency is to be expected wit it being Watkins' first season in the top flight, but with support from Jack Grealish, Ross Barkley and John McGinn, he'll still impress.

One for the future and for now.

8. Wilfried Zaha - Crystal Palace

Current tally: 5

Zaha finished last season with four goals and five assists, meaning he's already a goal better off this season after just eight games played.

There's less onus on him to be the main man this season, however, thanks to support from Eberechi Eze, Michy Batshuayi and Andros Townsend.

If he keeps up his form, he'll hit double figures in goals and assists easily.

7. Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United

Current tally: 5

*something about only scoring penalties*

Joking aside, Bruno Fernandes has proven how key he is to Manchester United. His creativity in attack gives them a new dimension of scoring goals, be it slipping someone through or slotting one home himself. Or scoring a penalty, of course.

Expect an impressive first full season in the Premier League from the Portugal international.

6. Danny Ings - Southampton

Current tally: 5

It feels incredibly harsh putting Danny Ings into the middle of the pack considering he finished the joint second-top goal scorer last season, but the competition this season has been kicked up a level.

Ings is flourishing at Southampton though and has formed a strong partnership with Che Adams.

Even with injuries, expect more goals.

5. Son Heung-min - Tottenham

Current tally: 8

It's fair to say that Son Heung-min has developed into comfortably one of the best players in the Premier League.

Frightening pace, lethal shooting range and the vision to see a key pass, he has all the key traits needed to push a Spurs title charge.

He's more than just a number nine, though, and selflessness might cost him the chance of finishing as the division's top scorer.

You're just too nice, Sonny.

4. Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Current tally: 8

What a season the Englishman is having, and it's no fluke, either.

There was a point where Dominic Calvert-Lewin seemed destined to become the 'almost' striker that went around the houses of the Football League, but Carlo Ancelotti has been the one to unlock his talent.

The 23-year-old is the perfect blend of a throwback number nine, who uses their physicality and superb positioning to their advantage, but combines that with sharp technical ability and intelligent running.

As long as Everton continue to play to his strengths, he'll comfortably hit 20+ league goals.

3. Mohamed Salah - Liverpool

Current tally: 8

The further up the charts we go, the tighter it's going to get.

The 20-goal mark will be an incredibly competitive region, but Liverpool's Mohamed Salah deserves to be among the real favourites due to his history of goals.

The two-time Golden Boot winner will be among it by the end of the season, no doubt, but may need an exceptional year (like in 2017/18) to match the league's most in-form.

2. Jamie Vardy - Leicester

Current tally: 8

Is it acceptable to now recognise Jamie Vardy as one of the greatest strikers ever in the Premier League? Because it should be.

Arriving to the top flight at 28 and scoring 111 goals in 218 games so far is lethal. The 33-year-old is showing no signs of slowing and is a ruthless finisher from all angles. He'll prove key for Leicester once again this season and push for back-to-back Golden Boot awards.

1. Harry Kane - Tottenham

Current tally: 7

The man who Son will be regularly assisting throughout the season is Harry Kane, who could well be on the way to his third Premier League Golden Boot.

Jose Mourinho's Spurs have found their edge and suddenly possess a team balanced with talent, physicality and determination. And an incredible front three.

A fully fit Kane under a Mourinho who's eyeing the Premier League is a frightening thought. Expect a standout season from the Englishman.