Free-scoring Spurs to lead way?

Understandably William Hill have installed Manchester United as favourites to top score in the Premiership next season but value lurks in a lesser-heralded corner of north London. In a remarkable year, 83 goals were plundered by United in the Premiership last season - 19 more than the tally managed by runners-up Chelsea. However, it is extremely doubtful that Sir Alex Ferguson's side will rattle off as many again this time around, even if Carlos Tevez does finally sign for them. United are without doubt an attack-minded side. The almost unplayable Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 17 goals last season, has developed a superb understanding with Wayne Rooney (14) and further goals are always likely from Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - not to mention new boys Nani, Anderson and probably Tevez. However, there will be greater competition on the goalscoring front this season with both Chelsea and Arsenal hopeful of avoiding the injury ravages of last season. It is interesting that Arsenal are 4-1 to score the most, despite remaining 12/1 shots for the title. Like Ferguson, Arsene Wenger's approach to football is cavalier and the fit-again Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott thrown into the mix with Emmanuel Adebayor, Eduardo Da Silva and Tomas Rosicky guarantees a glut of goals. Chelsea only scored one more than Arsenal last year despite finishing 15 points better off in the table and Mourinho has been 'advised' by Roman Abramovich to provide more entertainment this term. Claudio Pizzarro and Florent Malouda have been excellent signings but, like United, the Blues are no value bet at 2/1. Liverpool make slightly more appeal at 6/1 with Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel now competing for places with Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch. However, Rafa Benitez is also not a manager to throw caution to the wind. For value, Tottenham are a far more attractive proposition. Many feel that they will emerge from the shadows this season and finally depose the Gunners as a top-four side. One thing is for sure, wherever they finish Tottenham have a fearsome strike force in Dimitar Berbatov, Marcus Bent, Robbie Keane and Jermaine Defoe and the odds of 50/1 about the Spurs top scoring must be worth an each way squeak. Top 2006/07 Premiership goalscorers (William Hill) Verdict: 1pt e/w Tottenham @ 50/1; 1pt Arsenal @ 4/1