EPL: The League's Ten Best Strike Pairings Revealed

Right, before I get into the list, I would just like to explain the calculations and thoughts that led to my rankings.

I reached my decision through a number of factors, some statistically based, some configured by my own opinion.

For example, having identified the two main strikers in each team’s squad, I looked at the player’s goals and assists statistics from last season. This objective data, including the playing time each player had (for example, if they were forced out by injury, which might have affected their productivity), helped me get a basic idea as to how deadly such a partnership might be this season.

Then, I went on to more subjective factors: I rated how good I thought each player was. Entirely based on my own opinion (although I have watched more than enough football to get a good idea of each player’s skills) it helps those players who may not have had good statistical seasons last year, perhaps due to reasons not accounted for in my criteria.

Also, I accounted for how likely the two main strikers were to play with each other on a regular basis. For example, as Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are unlikely to play with each other frequently this season, this harmed their ‘value,’ and prevented them being the top of the list.

It is important to note, objective statistics were lent far more weight in the calculations than my own views. Equally, the most important factor was how many goals and assists the two strikers would contribute this season, with equal value given to each. As such, while this list is by no means a definitive ranking, it is not based purely on opinion either.

After reaching my conclusions, it became clear that while many of the league’s strike partnerships are very even, the top two (according to my criteria) were some way out ahead. The top pairing might surprise a few people, too.

Without further ado then, let’s get into the countdown. In reverse order:

 

5. John Carew & Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. In fact, you probably aren’t, as the Villa strike partnership were one of the breakthrough pairings of last season. Agbonlahor, the 21-year-old English whippet, has the combination of pace and guile that perfectly compliments the aerial presence of his Norwegian strike partner.

Together, they combined for 24 goals (Carew with 13) last season. They also offered up 11 assists for their teammates (Agbonlahor had eight), and there is no reason they shouldn’t record similar statistics this season.

With Ashley Young even better this term, they should have no lack of service—and an improved understanding between the two men should only take the Villa Park partnership to greater heights.

For the purpose of this test, however, their greatest strength was their likelihood of playing. On the pitch for a combined 5,824 minutes last season, they are undisputedly Villa’s preferred strikeforce—so will spend more time on the pitch than almost all of the league’s other forward partnerships.

Expect a good season for the pair this year, as they lead Villa towards European football.

 

4. Peter Crouch & Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth)

Costing Harry Redknapp a combined total of around £19 million, you would expect great things from the new Fratton Park duo. A ‘little ‘n’ large’ partnership reminiscent of a bygone era, fans on the South Coast have high hopes for the two Englishmen.

Last season was not the most productive for either man—partly because they spent much of it on the bench for former teams (Crouch at Liverpool, Defoe at Tottenham). Despite this, their statistics were still reasonable—contributing 17 goals (12 for Defoe) and six assists (three a-piece) in just 2,534 minutes of football—less than half the time Agbonlahor and Carew enjoyed.

This season, however, the pair should get a lot more playing time, and a lot more chances. Having scored nine goals in three games together at international, season ticket holders at Fratton Park can look forward to a free-scoring season with the two men leading the line.

A combined total of 30 goals and 12 assists is not unthinkable. It would certainly put the two English strikers amongst the best in the league.

 

3. Emmanuel Adebayor & Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal)

A controversial inclusion perhaps, considering that Arsene Wenger often opts for a lone striker. Nevertheless, once fit, da Silva will see a lot of playing time—probably in a slightly withdrawn role behind the Togolese striker.

Last season, the duo combined for 28 goals (Adebayor dominant with 24) and nine assists (da Silva with five), a great return from just 3,889 minutes of Premiership action.

With the Croatian forward due back from his horrific broken leg in September, he should get more than the measly 961 minutes he managed last term.

With Eduardo providing and Adebayor scoring, the pair could well be worth 35 goals and 15 assists to the North London club’s cause. With further contributions likely from Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, and Carlos Vela, there is more than one reason for fans at the Emirates to be optimistic ahead of the 2008/09 campaign.

 

2. Carlos Tevez & Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Unsurprisingly, strikers from the ‘Big Four’ dominate the top of this list. With 26 goals (Tevez: 14) and a staggering 19 assists (Rooney: 13) between the pair last season, the Old Trafford duo more than deserve their place near the top of this list.

With 4,858 minutes on the pitch last season, the pair also played a surprising amount of football. Interesting, it was the Argentinean forward who was on the pitch for nearly 600 minutes more than his illustrious English teammate, although injuries and suspensions played a part in this.

Barring more injury worries this season, the two players should expect to contribute a similar number of goals and assists to Man Utd’s title challenge. Such a result would surely put them amongst the most deadly forwards in the league once more.

With Tevez likely to complete a permanent transfer for around £35 million this summer, and Rooney costing £30 million in 2005, Man Utd boast the most expensive front line in football. However, it is not the most deadly in the Premiership.

NB: For the purposes of this survey, Cristiano Ronaldo was considered a midfielder, rather than part of an attacking trio. With him, however, Utd have a threat that no other Premier League club can boast.

 

1. Fernando Torres & Robbie Keane (Liverpool)

Let the witch-hunt begin! Without having played a minute together, how can I possibly proclaim the Liverpool pair as the most dangerous in the Premiership? Well, I can’t—but the statistics can.

Last season, whilst on different teams, the pair contributed an unparalleled 39 goals to their team’s causes. Torres, as everyone is well aware, had a great season with 24 goals. However, Keane’s 15 strikes is a statistic that should not be overlooked.

Especially when you consider the Irishman also contributed seven assists, three more than his new Spanish teammate. Together, they supplied a total of 69 goals and assists to their respective teams—six more than the Man Utd pair, and 13 more than their next nearest striking rivals.

The question, however, is whether the duo can replicate such form together, for Liverpool. By no means certain, Red’s fans have reason to be optimistic.

Torres has already spoken of how delighted he is to have Keane at Anfield, and the 28-year-old looks to be the perfect foil for the Euro 2008 winner. With Gerrard providing the service from deep, both men should also expect great service this year.

Last season, the two men played a combined 5,247 minutes of top-flight football. They should match that figure this year, unless either of them get injured, as it has already been indicated that Benitez plans to play both men together—understandable considering the £46 million invested in them.

With all this in mind, a total of around 38 goals (Torres bagging 22) and 12 assists looks likely. Such productivity will be a considerable improvement on any strike partnership the Red’s have had in the last decade.

Will it be enough to win the Premiership? Who knows—but they should certainly challenge. At this point Man Utd look stronger (especially with that Portuguese winger at the club) but the Anfield outfit look to have closed the gap considerably with Keane’s arrival.

 

The Best of the Rest:

6. Roque Santa Cruz & Benni McCarthy (Blackburn): Combined for 27 goals and eight assists last season. But will new manager Paul Ince have both of them on the pitch at the same time? And can Santa Cruz possibly match his debut season performances? Nevertheless, 25 goals and 10 assists is realistic.

7. Dimitar Berbatov & Darren Bent (Tottenham): Doubts over whether Bent will play regular football prevented this pair being higher in the list. Berbatov is a guaranteed starter, as his 15 goals and 11 assists last season demand. However, Bent’s contribution should not be underestimated—six goals and five assists in limited appearances last term show that he has a lot to offer the North London side. If Ramos' plays both, the pair could combine for over 30 goals and 20 assists. But it is a massive if.

8. Didier Drogba & Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea): Will Scolari play his two high profile strikers in the same side? Many argue it is unlikely. While Drogba should improve on the eight goals and six assists he gained last year, you wonder whether Anelka can do better than the 11 goals and eight assists he managed in 2007/08—predominantly at Bolton. A combination of 30 goals and 10 assists (mainly for Drogba) is perhaps the most that can be hoped for.

9. Kenwyne Jones & El Hadji Diouf (Sunderland): Another surprising inclusion perhaps, but the stats make their case for them. Only 11 goals combined last year, but an impressive 17 assists (10 for Jones) show their value to the team. Their partnership could be one of the surprises of the season.

10. Jo & Benjani Mwaruwari (Manchester City): Who knows how this pair will do this season? Who can possibly predict if they will even play together—especially considering the likes of Sturridge, Bojinov, and Caicedo are all angling for first team action at Eastlands. These are all questions that affect this pairings value in my list—but Mwaruwari’s tally of 15 goals and three assists, coupled with Jo’s impressive reputation give more than enough cause to suggest they will have a profitable season. Twenty five goals and 10 assists is an obtainable combination for the pair.

 

 

Questions, Disputes, Differences of Opinion? Let me know what you think!