Soccer fans enjoy one of the most competitive and fiercely contested Premier League seasons in recent memory.
The past few years have given followers some memorable two-horse races involving Manchester City and Liverpool, then Pep Guardiola's team and Arsenal.
But this campaign has five ambitious teams battling for supremacy in February, with seven points separating current leaders Liverpool and fifth-placed Tottenham.
Jurgen Klopp's Reds lead the way after 23 games played from a 38-game season, with Liverpool two points ahead of nearest rivals and defending champion Man City in second place.
Last season's runners-up, Arsenal, are in third and are also two points shy of the leaders after beating them in London in their opening game of the month.
There's plenty of life left in this season, with many twists and turns ahead. But which team will win the league?
Do you expect Liverpool to hold their ground and finish in pole position, winning their first title since the Covid-ravaged 2020 season?
Are you keeping faith with Man City and fancy them to repeat their efforts of last season when staging a late smash and grab on the title?
You can gamble on the winner of the EPL at the top sports betting sites in California, where you'll find Man City as the betting favorite. There's also the top goalscorer market, top-four finish, and relegation betting.
Exciting African influence
The 2023/24 Premier League season has given fans countless exciting moments, including a stunning 3-1 win for Arsenal over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London.
That result blew the title race wide open, ensuring we're all set for a grandstand finish. But if you think things have been exciting in recent weeks, wait until the top players return from the African Nations competition in the Ivory Coast.
The EPL has always had a strong African influence, the continent providing English football with some major stars and fan favorites.
The likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Sadio Mane all left their mark on British football. Mohamad Salah remains the main man at Liverpool, with the Egyptian attacker hoping to fire the Reds to a stunning title win in manager Klopp's last season before departing Anfield. Salah is the league's top scorer at the time of writing, netting 14 goals in 20 games.
Games continue to come at us thick and fast from the EPL, and there's barely an opportunity to catch your breath before diving into the next round.
The return of the best players from the African Nations will turn the heat up a notch ahead of a crucial few months.
To remind us of Africa's influence on the Premier League and to introduce some of our younger readers to famous names, we present some of the top African-born scorers in EPL history. These are the players that set the division alight, making headlines worldwide with their scoring exploits.
Didier Drogba
One of the most iconic figures in Premier League history, Didier Drogba, hails from the Ivory Coast. Drogba's imposing physical presence, clinical finishing, and leadership qualities made him a standout figure for Chelsea during his two spells with the club.
Arriving in 2004, Drogba played a pivotal role in Chelsea's dominance under Jose Mourinho, securing three league titles during his first stint.
Known for his ability to score crucial goals in big matches, Drogba's memorable moments include his equalizing header in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, eventually won by Chelsea.
His Premier League tally of 104 goals in 254 appearances reflects not only his scoring prowess but also his influence on Chelsea's success during a golden era for the club.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Hailing from Togo, Emmanuel Adebayor graced the Premier League with his goalscoring prowess, featuring for several clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Adebayor's career in England was marked by his athleticism, aerial ability, and a knack for finding the back of the net.
The Togolese striker achieved notable success with Arsenal, forming a lethal partnership with teammates like Thierry Henry.
His 97 Premier League goals across 242 appearances underline his consistency as a goalscorer, making him one of Africa's most prolific forwards in the league's history.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni left an indelible mark on the Premier League with his goalscoring exploits. Known simply as "Yakubu," he had a prolific career in England, featuring for clubs such as Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers.
Yakubu's strength, clinical finishing, and poise in front of goal made him a consistent threat to opposing defenses. Amassing a total of 95 Premier League goals in 252 appearances, he remains one of Nigeria's most successful exports to English football.
Mohamed Salah
In recent years, Mohamed Salah has emerged as a global footballing sensation and one of Africa's brightest stars.
Hailing from Egypt, Salah's incredible goalscoring exploits have propelled Liverpool to domestic and international success. Since joining the Premier League in 2014 with Chelsea, Salah found his true rhythm upon returning to England in 2017, signing for Liverpool.
Salah's electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and remarkable consistency have seen him break numerous records, including winning the Golden Boot for the league's top scorer multiple times.
His exploits in the 2017-2018 season were particularly exceptional, setting a new standard for goalscoring excellence.
As of the last available data, Salah continues to add to his impressive tally, solidifying his place as one of the Premier League's top African goalscorers.
Sadio Mané
Senegalese forward Sadio Mané has established himself as one of the most dynamic and influential attackers in the Premier League. Known for his blistering pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing, Mané has been a key figure in Liverpool's recent successes under manager Klopp.
Since joining Southampton in 2014 and later moving to Liverpool in 2016, Mané's goalscoring exploits have consistently played a pivotal role in the Reds' attacking prowess.
His ability to score crucial goals in high-stakes matches, combined with his selfless teamwork, has endeared him to fans worldwide.
As of the latest available data, Mané continues to add to his goal tally, firmly securing his place among the top African goalscorers in the Premier League.
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