You’ve got to hand it to Michael Owen.
No matter how much stick he receives on social media - and it’s a hell of a lot, believe us - the retired striker never shies away from voicing his true opinions, even if everybody else disagrees.
This is a brilliant trait to have as a pundit and the reason why he’s paid very good money by BT Sport.
Owen isn’t controversial for the sake of it and, contrary to popular belief, does make some excellent points.
The 37-year-old really ought to be given more respect, considering what he achieved in the game. We’re talking about a Ballon d’Or winner here.
Owen reveals his Golden Boot winner prediction
Anyway, Owen has set himself up for more criticism by revealing his choice for the 2017-18 Premier League Golden Boot winner.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane is the 3/1 favourites, followed by Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku (4/1), Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (7/1), the Argentine’s teammate Gabriel Jesus (9/1) and Chelsea’s summer signing Alvaro Morata (10/1).
But Owen isn’t going for any of them.
The former Liverpool and Man Utd star reckons Arsenal new boy Alexandre Lacazette will finish on top.
He told the Premier League’s official website: “Alexandre Lacazette is a proven goalscorer. He had the highest chance conversion rate in Europe’s top five leagues last season and Arsenal create plenty of chances, so he should get plenty of opportunities.”
Seems fair enough, doesn’t it.
Which PL summer signing will have the biggest impact?
Owen also revealed which summer signing will have the biggest impact…
“Mohamed Salah is a really good signing,” he continued. “He didn’t quite nail it at Chelsea but he was young at the time. He’s gone away and had success at Roma and if you’re an attacking player with loads of pace, then you’re valuable. Liverpool are looking like a team with a really potent attack.”
Owen reveals his top four prediction
Earlier this week, Owen revealed the four clubs he thinks will finish inside the top four this season - but in which order?
1. Chelsea
“Chelsea were the best team last season. They won the league by seven points and with the signings they have made they will have more than enough to retain their title, despite having the extra matches that UEFA Champions League qualification will bring.”
2. Manchester City
“Manchester City are probably the most difficult to predict. They have addressed the full-back issue from last season and player for player they are the best side in the league. Despite that, they might take time to click as a team and they’re not a machine like Chelsea who can grind out results when playing badly.”
3. Liverpool
“Liverpool will have to go through the qualification rounds for the UEFA Champions League which adds extra matches, but Jurgen Klopp has addressed this by adding both quality and quantity to the squad. A good run in Europe and another top-four finish will be seen as a good season.”
4. Manchester United
“Manchester United were well off the pace last year, but they maybe took their foot off the gas towards the end of the season with one eye on the UEFA Europa League final. I suspect they will be closer this time. Jose Mourinho has added talent to an already strong squad and, as you would expect with a Mourinho side, I am sure they will be hard to beat.”
Which player will win the Premier League’s Golden Boot award this season? Have your say by leaving a comment below.