Five goalscorers to back on Boxing Day: Kane could bounce back
Recommended bets:
- Back Harry Kane to score against Brentford
- Back Ivan Toney to score against Tottenham
- Back Che Adams to score against Brighton
- Back Danny Ings to score against Liverpool
- Back Eddie Nketiah to score against West Ham
The Premier League's return provokes a plethora of storylines, not least in the scoring stakes, with a host of forwards looking to refind their form after six weeks away from domestic action.
Some have been at the World Cup, while some were left at home. Others have a point to prove, while others are playing for their futures.
With the Premier League's top scorer Erling Haaland not in action until Wednesday, there is a chance for others to shine on Boxing Day and here are five to watch.
The England captain will be desperate to dispel the discussions of World Cup 'what if' that are sure to follow him following his quarter-final penalty miss against France.
After successfully scoring his first spot-kick, the skipper stepped up for a second time, only to blaze over.
The upward trajectory of his strike in Al Khor was matched only by England's nosediving fortunes as they crashed out in Qatar.
Kane, who has netted 12 times in the Premier League this term, should be back in domestic action with Tottenham on Boxing Day when they head to Brentford at 12:30 and will be desperate to silence some of his doubters at the first opportunity.
Toney is another man with a point to prove but for opposing reasons.
The 26-year-old earned a maiden England call-up in September but failed to play a part in the Nations League and was subsequently overlooked for a spot in Qatar.
He responded by scoring both goals in Brentford's 2-1 win at Manchester City before the break and will have been using his snub as motivation to improve.
Toney has spent his entire career proving people wrong and with 10 Premier League goals for the season, is now a bonafide top flight talent.
A goal on Monday would be typical of his skilful yet stubborn style and he is 7/5 with LiveScore Bet in the Anytime Goalscorer market.
A brace in Tuesday's 2-1 EFL Cup win over League One Lincoln has moved Southampton's Che Adams onto eight goals for the season but only four of those have come in the Premier League.
The Scotland striker will need to find his scoring touch if the Saints, currently 19th in the top flight, are to move up the table under new boss Nathan Jones.
Adams missed a late chance for a hat-trick against the Imps and admitted after the game that he had been left somewhat bemused by his ability to grab a third goal of the game.
Southampton went into the World Cup break on a run of three straight Premier League defeats and needs to find some form, starting on Boxing Day against Brighton.
With it unclear if Jones will get the chance to mould his squad in January, Adams is likely to be vital to Southampton's survival chances and could take his midweek frustration out on the Seagulls.
Always beware of the former player and Aston Villa's Danny Ings probably still feels he has something to prove, having never quite found his form at Liverpool.
The 30-year-old scored both goals as his team won their last match 2-1 at Brighton and after featuring in a variety of roles under Steven Gerrard, may now be given more of a run through the middle under Unai Emery.
Monday's opponents, Liverpool's tally of 17 conceded is not unforgivable. However, injuries have prevented Jurgen Klopp from finding a regular partner for Virgil van Dijk at the heart of their back-line.
The Dutchman's form has clearly been affected and the relentless enthusiasm which inspires Ings' game is hardly ideal for a defender who has lacked his trademark composure over the last 12 months.
Finally, and a bit of a leftfield one, but Arsenal's Boxing Day game against West Ham could be a defining one for Eddie Nketiah.
The striker signed a new deal in the summer but has again had his opportunities limited.
He could, though, make his first Premier League start of the season against West Ham on Monday.
Gabriel Jesus' injury for Brazil at the World Cup is likely to sideline him until February or March and Mikel Arteta has hinted he could look to sign a replacement.
Nketiah, therefore, could have a limited window to impress before the transfer one opens and has scored against the Hammers in the past, netting a late winner in a 2-1 Gunners victory in September 2020.
The 23-year-old is 7/4 with LiveScore Bet as an Anytime Goalscorer, while LiveScore Bet have a Bet Builder in their Quick Bets of 6/1 involving Nketiah to score anytime, Both teams to score: Yes and over 10 corners in 90 minutes for both teams combined.
