EPL: Which Strikeforce Will Help Win the Premier League Title?

"Goals win championships"—it's as simple as that. You can argue that the defence have a big role to play (which of course they do) but if you don't score goals, you don't win games.

In this feature we take a look at the main contenders and their subsequent striking options.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have an abundance of attacking talent at their disposal but which combination will be key to delivering the title this year?

Arsenal: Robin Van Persie, Gervinho and Thierry Henry

Robin van Persie has been the best striker in the Premier League this year. He is perhaps only second in the world to Lionel Messi at the moment and has single-handedly kept the Gunners in Premier League and Champions League contention.

With Thierry Henry now back for six weeks, a bit of the burden should be taken off the Flying Dutchman.

However, Henry could well miss this weekend's game with Manchester United (a must-win to keep themselves in the title hunt) while Gervinho has not fired as one would have hoped in his rookie season.

Marouane Chamakh doesn't even warrant a mention as Wenger has all but written the Moroccan off, but don't be surprised to see Henry sign for the rest of the season if a deal can be thrashed out with the New York Red Bulls.

Despite the return of the talisman, Arsenal may still have to delve into the striker market before the end of January if they are to realistically challenge.

Effectiveness Rating: 3.5/5

Chelsea: Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge

The misfiring Fernando Torres saga has been well documented and continues to be a problem despite performances getting better and better.

It remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will return to his very best form but if he does, the Blues could have plenty to say in the title race between now and May.

However, Torres is running out of time with Drogba away at the African Cup of Nations, he needs to find his goalscoring touch sooner rather than later.

Daniel Sturridge has been excellent this season but needs more support from others up top. If he doesn't get it, the season will be over by the middle of February.

Effectiveness Rating: 3/5

Manchester City: Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko

No one really knew how these three strikers of undoubted talent would gel together—the answer has been pretty well so far.

Roberto Mancini obviously feels like Aguero is the focal point while rotating Balotelli and Dzeko on a consistent basis.

Of course Mr. Balotelli has the tendency to grab the headlines both on and off the pitch, but there has not been too much in fighting from the player who gets left out of the starting 11.

Critics might say that frustration will come out eventually but at the moment it's working.

David Silva is key to all of these players and his recent absence through injury had a significant impact to the goal tally of all three.

Effectiveness Rating: 4.5/5

Manchester United: Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez

They started the season in unstoppable fashion but have since struggled for consistency.

Quite obviously blessed with talent, their problems have coincided with the Rooney's dip in form and reported problems with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Javier Hernandez's second season syndrome has been masked by the outstanding form of Danny Welbeck while Dimitar Berbatov has been brought in from the cold and repaid the faith with goals aplenty.

United's FA Cup win will have given them plenty of hope as they attempt to reduce the three-point gap at the top of the table.

Consecutive losses to Blackburn and Newcastle may well have ruled them out of contention in previous seasons but not this year. With Rooney firing again, don't be surprised if it's the red half of Manchester celebrating come May.

Effectiveness Rating: 4/5

Tottenham Hotspur: Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe and Rafael Van Der Vaart

Probably the most consistent strike-force in the Premier League this season.

The addition of Emmanuel Adebayor has been a master stroke by Harry Redknapp. The Togo star has complimented the likes of van der Vaart, Defoe and indeed Gareth Bale by providing as many assists as goals.

They look the happiest of the forwards at the moment and team morale is a huge plus when it comes to confidence in front of goal.

Still to play all the top teams, it will be interesting to see if the goals keep flowing at White Hart Lane.

Effectiveness Rating: 4.5/5 

Conclusion

For me, Manchester City have the best forward line this season.

Spurs will contend in the future and United will always be there or thereabouts, but these strikers are going to take some stopping.

Young, talented and eager to learn—Manchester City are the team to beat.