Leicester City's Matty Fryatt tipped to top goal chart

Bookmakers have installed Matty Fryatt as second favourite to top the Championship's goal chart.

Both Bet365 and Skybet price the Leicester City hot-shot at 9-2, behind Cardiff's Michael Chopra, at 5-2.

Fryatt is currently joint-fourth in the top-scorers' list with 10 league goals to his credit.

Cardiff's Peter Whittingham leads the way on 12 with Chopra and Crystal Palace's Darren Ambrose one behind.

Fryatt will be looking to add to his tally as City face a crucial double-header this weekend.

The are sixth in the table going into this evening's clash against Sheffield United at the Walkers Stadium (6pm) before Monday's trip to Doncaster (3pm).

"My form, and the team's form, has been good," said Fryatt. "I want to add to my goal tally but, so far, it has been a decent start.

"We are in a good position and, hopefully, we can build on that into the new year and kick on.

"I didn't know I was second favourite to be top-scorer, although it is nice to be thought of in those terms. But the aim is to get a few more goals for the team and, hopefully, we can stay in the play-off places or even push on further."

Fryatt was in electrifying form last season, finishing with 32 goals in all competitions.

He also became the first City player to reach 20 goals before Christmas since Derek Dougan in 1966 and was the first to score consecutive hat-tricks since Arthur Chandler 83 years previously.

This season, Fryatt hit top gear early, with seven league goals before the end of September.

Things have dried up a little since, with his winning double against Queens Park Rangers in October and a consolation in the 3-1 defeat by Bristol City this month taking him to double figures.

Fryatt, however, sees the bigger picture. "I have a target in mind for the season and, hopefully, I will achieve it. But, at the minute, I'm not even halfway there, so there is still a long way to go."

Fryatt was delighted to see fellow striker Steve Howard get off the mark in City's last outing against Sheffield Wednesday.

"I know what it is like for a forward not to score for a while so to get his first obviously means a lot," he said. "Forwards thrive on goals.

"Steve was brilliant and set the team on the way to a valuable win after two poor performances. It was great to see Steve score and the team get a victory."

Looking ahead to the Christmas fixtures, Fryatt said: "We've got two tricky games.

"Sheffield United have run back into form recently and have been in the play-offs for the last couple of years. It was a difficult when we played them early in the season. And Doncaster are on a good run themselves.

"There is no reason why we can't finish in the top six. I think Newcastle have near enough won the league already but, apart from that, there is nothing between second place to a team around 14th.

"Most teams will have aspirations about the play-offs and I can't see any reason why we can't be one of them."