Sheffield United and Brentford have been two of the best sides going forward this season although, the two teams found themselves at differing ends of the Championship table.
Under Chris Wilder, United are well in the hunt for automatic promotion mainly thanks to the performances of reliable striker Billy Sharp.
Likewise, Brentford’s early season form was largely down to French striker, Neal Maupay, who has scored 13 goals in the league this season.
Billy Sharp
Since returning to his hometown club three years ago, Sharp has been a consistent goalscorer and helped take the club back to the Championship in 2017.
This season the reliable marksman has scored 10 goals in 16 games this season and looks as though he will better last season’s 13 goal tally. He may not have the ability with the ball as most modern strikers but there aren’t many better at finishing.
He won’t get involved in much of the build-up but he will always be ready to get in behind the last defender and in the box he comes alive.
At 32, he may not have much left in the tank but nevertheless, he hasn’t been a superb addition to Sheffield United.
TT Grade: B
Neal Maupay
Brentford paid a minuscule £1.6 million fee for the French striker and at the moment, it looks as though the west London side have pulled off a masterstroke.
In his first season with the club he scored 12 goals in 42 games and this season, he’s already matched that in just 16 matches.
Better than Sharp with the ball, Maupay is adept at taking players on and being involved in the build-up. However, just like Sharp he’s an adept finisher inside the box and is always in the right place at the right time.
He has a complete all-round game and if Brentford don’t get promoted this season – which is likely – he may likely be Premier League bound.
TT Grade: B+
The Verdict
It’s a very tough battle to call. Both players are excellent strikers and are crucial to their respective side’s fortunes.
Sharp is a reliable goalscorer and it’s impressive how he’s continued to perform, however, due to his age, the small transfer fee and his goalscoring record recently Maupay wins this one.
