Costa and Agüero lead Premier League rankings

With Diego Costa's three-match suspension giving Sergio Agüero the chance to play catch-up on the Premier League's current top scorer – beginning with second-placed Manchester City FC's visit to leaders Chelsea FC on Saturday – we take the opportunity to focus on the division's deadliest forwards. From South American stars to a former non-league bricklayer, these are the men giving defences a torrid time across England this season.

Diego Costa, Chelsea FC – 19 appearances, 17 goals
Few settle in English football as quickly as the Spain forward, who took to the fast-paced, physical game of the Premier League like a duck to water. After announcing himself with seven strikes in his first four outings – including a dominant hat-trick in a 4-2 success against Swansea City AFC – the 26-year-old's goals have flown freely since. "We were waiting for a certain type of striker. I think now everybody knows Chelsea did the right thing waiting for him," said manager José Mourinho. "Chelsea did well by waiting and waiting for the right one."

Sergio Agüero, Manchester City FC – 17 appearances, 14 goals
Statistically the most lethal forward in the history of the Premier League – his pair against Sunderland AFC on 3 December made it a goal every 108 minutes on the pitch, well ahead of Thierry Henry's one every 122 minutes – Agüero's strike rate has not dropped off this term. Lightning acceleration, an ability to spot the gap and unerring finishing have brought 14 more this campaign, with plenty more set to come for the 26-year-old. "He is something incredible," said team-mate Frank Lampard. "When he runs through you expect him to score, he is at the top of his game and one of the top strikers in the world."

Charlie Austin, Queens Park Rangers FC – 20 appearances, 13 goals
Despite him scoring 17 times in QPR's promotion push last season, few thought the former non-league ace would be able to torment defences on stepping up to the top flight. However, that is precisely what the 25-year-old has done, combining the power of a traditional English No9 with an unexpected light touch, highlighted by his control and volley on the turn against Southampon FC. Considering he's hit 13 of Rangers' 23 goals in the league, QPR's survival hopes fairly rest on his shoulders. "He's a goalscorer. If we sold Charlie Austin we might as well go home," said boss Harry Redknapp.

Alexis Sánchez, Arsenal FC – 21 appearances, 12 goals
"When you look at the goals and the impact he has, it is fabulous," said Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger – hailing his big summer signing after another inspirational display, this time against Southampton. Nicknamed 'El Niño Maravilla' (the wonder boy), the Chile forward has netted 12 goals in 21 league matches for Arsenal – with his no-holds-barred style suiting English football perfectly. The 26-year-old is a contender for the player of the year award with his alliance of pace, power, tireless workrate and ruthless finishing setting the Premier League alight on a weekly basis.

Papiss Cissé, Newcastle Untied FC – 13 appearances, nine goals
The Senegal forward, 29, has rediscovered his form in the north-east after notching just twice in 2013/14. The striker's convalescence from a broken kneecap last April has restricted him to just six starts, yet his uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time is apparently unaffected. Since his point-salvaging double on his first substitute outing of the campaign, Cissé has been the archetypical 'impact player' for the Magpies, the highlight a pair of goals off the bench as Newcastle became the first team to beat Chelsea this term.

Wilfried Bony, Manchester City FC – 20 appearances, nine goals
To earn a reported €30m transfer to Manchester City you must be doing something right – and the Ivory Coast attacker has certainly produced the goods this season. The scorer of more Premier League goals (20) than any other player in 2014, his nine strikes in the first half of this campaign propelled Swansea into the top half of the table. Powerful both in the air and on the deck, the 26-year-old forward is set to form a deadly partnership with Agüero. "He is very difficult to mark because he is so strong," said new boss Manuel Pellegrini. "He is an intelligent footballer who has skill and power."

Saido Berahino, West Bromwich Albion FC – 22 appearances, nine goals
It was evident this would be the season the 21-year-old came of age from the off, as he struck twice in an opening-day draw with Sunderland. The goals have continued steadily since, and the slight and speedy forward registered in four consecutive league games at one stage. Already on the international radar after scoring ten times in 13 England Under-21 matches, he received a first senior call-up in November. "What he has is pace, a desire to run beyond defenders and composure when he finds himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper – three very good qualities," said England manager Roy Hodgson.