Strike Partnerships.

There has no doubt been some great double acts over the years, Morecombe and Wise, Ant and Dec, Maverick and Goose.  The questions remain who can be the next duo to bring us sunshine, have a takeaway moment or even make sure we do not lose that loving feeling.  Lets first have a look at arguably the four best strike partnerships the Premier League has seen.

THE OLD SCHOOL

In 1993 a young exciting striker burst onto the scene and set the Geordie hearts beating as one, Andy Cole, then 21 fired in 34 goals to help Newcastle to a 3rd place finish in their first season back in the top flight.  Alongside this young prodigy was a canny old football brain who could make a football do pretty much as he wished, Peter Beardsley.  When he was not scoring one of his own 21 goals that season he was usually setting them up for his strike partner Cole.  Their combined total of 55 goals in a Premier League season is still a record and will take a lot of beating.

Our next partnership no doubt had a lot of people bowled over by their charisma, charm and exuberant personality, well maybe not but what they seemingly lacked in those qualities they made up for with goals and silverware, I am of course referring to the original SAS, Shearer and Sutton.  There was time before Sheiks and Russian Tycoons when it was ok to buy the league.  Jack Walker did just that in 1995 with Blackburn Rovers, and everyone loved it because good Ol' Jack was a lifelong Blackburn fan who grow up, did well and made a dream happen.  Blackburn partnered Sutton with Shearer for a history making season, Shearer banging in 34 goals and Sutton helping himself to 15 on their way to lifting to title.

We fast forward to 1999 for our next partnership, Yorke and Cole. The most successful of the lot if we talk in terms of trophies.  Their first season together yielded 35 goals combined and their second 39 goals.  The duo had a great friendship and at times an almost telepathic understanding on the pitch.  Along the way was an historic treble in '99 followed up by two consecutive league titles.

Finally we come to Henry and Bergkamp, these two were together the longest of our duo's.  From '99-'06 they terrorised defences season after season backed up with the fact they scored 200 league goals combined in this time.  All topped off with that 'invincible' season in '03/04 where Arsenal went unbeaten for the entire league campaign.

THE NEW SCHOOL

What of the new breed of partnerships?  Well these days it is harder to find, mainly because of the disappearance of the 442 system, clubs have fallen in love with the one man up top formation with the "magic", "special", "game changing" number 10 sitting behind the main striker.  Let's take a look at some of the double acts that could prove significant this coming season.

ROONEY AND RVP

Van Persie is no doubt a favourite with his recently departed national team manger Louis Van Gaal.  If he stays fit he can look forward to a lot of game time.  All the signs pre-season point to the fact LvG fancies Rooney as a top man too and a force to be reckoned with.  Hopefully they will both stay fit, as they should this season with United's less congestive fixture list this term then it is strike force to be feared.

COSTA AND OSCAR

Another pair from the big boys is at Chelsea, Diego Costa and Oscar, some may say Hazard but I can see Oscar having a pivotal role for the blues this season.  The Brazilian (I am talking about Oscar)  has shown glimpses of what he is capable of and the 'Spanish' Costa is more than good enough to score goals in the Premiership, this is going to be an interesting link-up to watch develop as I believe they will have a lot of say in helping Chelsea lift the title in May.

BARKLEY AND LUKAKU

The next to look at is from the blue side of Merseyside, where Barkley, one of England's brightest prospect for many years is ready for a season to shine even brighter.  He will have his mate back from last season in Romelu Lukaku, who is surely the most significant signing by Everton for 20+ years.  They showed last season when played together that they can create chances and score goals playing an attractive and skillful game.

DIOUF AND KRKIC

An important strike duo towards the middle of the table will be at Stoke City, with Mame Biram Diouf and Bojan Krkic.  Both strong in mind and body and look to attack the box and chase every ball.  They have not always had the run of luck or opportunities at previous clubs but they both have a potential for premier league pedigree and should be starting to get to know each other's game better after a decent pre season for City, Mark Hughes and supporters will hope they can be on the same page after their summer moves to help Stoke to a safe and secure league position.

GOMIS AND BONY

One more pair to watch could be at the Liberty Stadium for Swansea. Wilfred Bony and Betafami Gomis, if Bony stays with Swansea this partnership could flourish.  Gomis runs and works for his teams and has the quality to create and score goals.  Bony showed last season his finishing abilities and why his name has been linked with a variety of clubs.  If the relatively new Swans boss Gary Monk decides to buck the trend and play 2 up front then these two could be a dangerous pair.

Finally, the modern day SAS who are no longer with us, and the only players still to hit the peak of their careers.  They were only together for a season and a half and although they did not win any silverware, Suarez and Sturridge did help Liverpool to runners up in the Premier League last season.  Both managed to score 20+ goals last season, a feat not managed by a pair since Beardsley and Cole.  Although Suarez has gone to graze in pastures new, Liverpool still have Sturridge to help them go Subway.... I mean some way to having another successful season.  

All in all we are in for another great season with plenty of magic moments, perfect play and glorious goals for us all to enjoy.

By @AshleyCalver1