The Golden Boot Race – who’ll be the Premier League’s top scorer?
As the 2024/25 Premier League season approaches, the race for the Golden Boot promises to be as thrilling as ever. Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s unstoppable goal machine, has dominated the charts in his two seasons in England, netting 36 goals in his debut campaign and following up with 27 last season. Remarkably, at just 24 years old, Haaland is still improving, making him the clear favorite to retain his crown.
However, the competition is heating up. Last season saw Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak push Haaland close, finishing with 22 and 21 goals, respectively. This year, the Golden Boot race looks even more competitive, with a host of challengers eager to dethrone Haaland. From emerging stars to established strikers, the battle for the title of the Premier League’s top scorer is set to be one of the most exciting storylines of the season. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.
Golden Boot Contenders
Erling Haaland – Manchester City – 4/6
Erling Haaland is the clear favorite to claim the Golden Boot for the third consecutive season, and for good reason. The Norwegian striker has been nothing short of sensational since arriving at Manchester City, scoring 36 goals in his debut Premier League season and following it up with 27 goals last year. Haaland’s combination of physicality, pace, and clinical finishing makes him almost impossible to stop.
At just 24 years old, he’s still improving under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, and with City’s creative midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden providing service, Haaland is poised to continue his goal-scoring exploits. Given his track record and City’s attacking dominance, it’s no surprise that Haaland is the odds-on favorite to top the scoring charts once again.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool – 10/1
Mohamed Salah remains one of the most consistent goal scorers in the Premier League, and at 10/1, he’s a strong contender for the Golden Boot. The Egyptian forward has been Liverpool’s talisman since his arrival, consistently delivering goals season after season.
Last year, Salah scored 18 goals in the Premier League, a testament to his enduring quality even in a somewhat challenging season for Liverpool. A three-time winner of the Golden Boot, Salah is a honorable candidate for the prize this year. With Liverpool expected to maintain their performances this season, Salah could very well challenge Haaland for the top scorer title, especially if he preserves his form and avoids injuries.
Alexander Isak – Newcastle – 16/1
Alexander Isak enjoyed a breakthrough season with Newcastle United, scoring 21 Prem goals and playing a pivotal role despite their less than impressive campaign, at least by their new lofty standards. At 16/1, the Swedish striker is a dark horse in the Golden Boot race but certainly not one to be underestimated. Isak possesses a unique blend of speed, technical ability, and composure in front of goal, making him a nightmare for defenders.
With Newcastle’s continued rise under Eddie Howe and the creative talents of players like Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier supplying him, Isak is well-positioned to increase his goal tally this season. If he can stay fit and build on last year’s momentum, Isak could surprise many and challenge for the top scorer spot.
Alexander Isak is the first Newcastle player to score 25+ goals in all competitions since Alan Shearer in 2003/2004! pic.twitter.com/899gILRUek
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 20, 2024
Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa – 16/1
Ollie Watkins has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable strikers, and after scoring 27 goals in all competitions last season, he’s tipped at 16/1 to contend for the Golden Boot. Watkins has been a key figure in Aston Villa’s attack, known for his work rate, intelligent movement, and ability to finish with both feet.
Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Villa have become a more cohesive and dangerous team, which should provide Watkins with even more opportunities to find the back of the net. If Villa can build on their strong finish last season and Watkins continues to lead the line effectively, he could be a serious contender in the race for the Premier League’s top scorer.
Watkins is on fire 🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) April 12, 2024
The Aston Villa striker has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season, the joint-most by a player for them since Dwight York in 1995/96 👏#Watkins #AstonVilla #EPL #UECL #365Scores pic.twitter.com/Ri5atT1lia
Cole Palmer – Chelsea – 20/1
Cole Palmer is rapidly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents, and he could be a serious contender for the Golden Boot this season. At 22 years old, Palmer has already spent a year at Chelsea, where he made an immediate impact by becoming one of the league’s standout players and winning the Young Player of the Year award. Last season, he was Chelsea’s top scorer with an impressive 22 Premier League goals, finishing second only to Erling Haaland. Palmer’s agility, sharp finishing, and creativity make him a potent threat in the final third.
Now, under the guidance of new manager Enzo Maresca, Palmer is expected to take on an even more prominent role in Chelsea’s attack. With his confidence growing and a more defined attacking role, Palmer is poised to continue his development and could emerge as one of the top scorers in the league this season.
Niclas Fullkrug – West Ham – 50/1
Niclas Füllkrug is an intriguing contender in this year’s Golden Boot race, priced at 50/1. The German striker, who recently made the switch to West Ham United, has consistently demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess in the Bundesliga, finishing as one of the top scorers last season.
Füllkrug is a powerful, physical forward who excels in aerial duels and has a keen eye for goal, making him a perfect fit for West Ham’s style of play. With creative talents like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá providing service, Füllkrug will have plenty of opportunities to add to his goal tally. If he can quickly adapt to the Premier League’s pace and physicality, Füllkrug could emerge as a surprise candidate in the Golden Boot race.
Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United – 80/1
Alejandro Garnacho is a wildcard in the Golden Boot race, with long-shot odds of 80/1. The young Argentine winger has shown flashes of brilliance since breaking into Manchester United’s first team, and his potential is undeniable. Garnacho scored several crucial goals last season, and his pace, dribbling ability, and finishing skills make him a constant threat in front of goal. Already this season he scored an excellent goal off the bench against Manchester City in the Community Shield and he looks electric.
As he continues to develop under Erik ten Hag, Garnacho could see more playing time and responsibility, particularly if he can cement a spot in United’s starting XI. While he’s still an outsider for the Golden Boot, Garnacho’s raw talent and hunger for goals make him a player to watch as the season progresses. If he can take his chances and build on his promising performances, he could surprise everyone by challenging the league’s top scorers.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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