Premier League 2024-25: Contenders to win the Golden Boot award
What's the story
The 2024-25 season of the Premier League starts tonight with Manchester United facing Fulham.
The presence of several highly-rated forwards make the Premier League interesting.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland remains the outright favorite to score the most goals. However, one would hope to see other players taking the fight to the end.
We decode the contenders for the Golden Boot award.
#1
Erling Haaland - Manchester City
Manchester City striker Haaland has won successive Premier League Golden Boot awards since joining the club two seasons ago from Borussia Dortmund.
He scored 27 goals in 31 games last season to ensure his side finished above 2nd-placed Arsenal.
Haaland had managed a record-breaking 36 goals in 2022-23. Across two seasons, he owns 63 goals in 66 Premier League matches.
#2
Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins had a defining 2023-24 season with Aston Villa, scoring 19 goals and making 13 assists for Unai Emery's side.
Watkins, who has 59 Premier League goals in 146 matches, could better his mark this season.
In 2022-23, the Englishman had netted 15 Premier League goals as well.
In all competitions last season, Watkins hammered 27 goals for Villa.
#3
Cole Palmer - Chelsea
Former Manchester City starlet Cole Palmer was bought by Chelsea last summer and he thrived under Mauricio Pochettino.
Palmer, who knows new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca from his Man City days, could work well and be more potent.
Palmer netted 22 goals in the Premier League 2023-24 season and also made his presence felt with 11 assists.
He could have another defining campaign.
#4
Mohamed Salah - Liverpool
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was the Premier League's top scorer in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2021-22.
In the 2023-24 season, Salah scored 18 times in 32 Premier League games. 32-year-old Salah, who looked solid in the pre-season, will want to be back at his best.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Salah would be keen to replicate his form shown under former boss Jurgen Klopp.
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Who else are in the mix?
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak scored 21 league goals last season. He remains a threat for Eddie Howe's side. Tottenham forward Son Heung-min is entering his ninth season in England's top flight. At 32, he still remains a threat. Son scored 17 goals (A10) last season.