The Premier League season is underway, and expectations are high. Teams are reloaded, managers have reset, and the battle for individual awards is already taking shape.
The Golden Boot and Player of the Season races are always two of the most closely followed storylines. They highlight not only top scorers but also the most valuable and consistent performers throughout the campaign.
With fresh signings, tactical changes, and evolving roles, several players stand out early based on last season’s performances and current betting markets. Whether you’re interested in fantasy football, betting odds, or just tracking form, these are the names that matter most right now.
Erling Haaland
Haaland enters the 2025–26 season as the clear frontrunner for the Golden Boot. Despite injury setbacks last year, he still managed 22 goals in just 31 league appearances. That’s a reminder of how lethal he is even when not fully fit.
Manchester City’s tactical setup continues to revolve around creating space for Haaland in the box. With elite providers like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez around him, the volume of quality chances will remain high. City also dominates possession and territory in most matches, which means Haaland gets more opportunities than almost any other striker in the league.
In most English Premier league betting markets, he leads comfortably at 11/8. If he stays fit, the Golden Boot race might not be much of a race at all.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah enters the 2025–26 season after one of the most complete campaigns of his Premier League career. He led the league with 29 goals and topped the assist charts with 18. That made him the first player in league history to lead in both categories in the same season. After that dominant showing, he’s back in the Golden Boot race at 6/1.
At 33, Salah has adjusted his style of play. He no longer relies solely on speed. Instead, he uses sharp movement, quick decision-making, and elite finishing to stay ahead of defenders. He consistently finds space inside the box and remains clinical from tight angles.
He also remains Liverpool’s primary penalty taker. That alone adds a few crucial goals throughout a season. In tight Golden Boot races, those can make the difference.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool may lean into a more structured, possession-based style. But Salah’s role as the top-scoring option won’t change. At 6/1, Salah offers excellent value. He’s delivered 20-plus goals in six straight league seasons. If he stays fit and Liverpool remains competitive, he’ll be right there again.
Alexander Isak
Isak has quietly developed into one of the most well-rounded strikers in the league. He scored 23 goals last season and delivered them across a variety of situations—left foot, right foot, headers, solo runs, and intricate team moves.
At 6/1, he represents good value, especially if Newcastle push higher up the table. He’s also rumored to be on the radar of top clubs. A transfer to a side with more possession and attacking output could instantly boost his goal total.
Isak isn’t just a poacher. He’s heavily involved in Newcastle’s buildup play, drops into midfield to link attacks, and is capable of creating his chances. That makes him less reliant on service than some of his competitors.
Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres joins Arsenal after scoring 54 goals for Sporting Lisbon last season, making him one of the most high-profile arrivals in the league. At 7/1, he’s viewed as a serious Golden Boot contender. He plays with power and urgency, shoots often, and thrives in tight spaces. With creators like Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli around him, chances won’t be an issue.
If he adjusts quickly to Premier League tempo, he has the tools to challenge for the top scorer title in his first season.
Hugo Ekitiké
Ekitiké is Liverpool’s significant attacking investment this summer, arriving from the Bundesliga after a strong season where he posted 15 goals and 8 assists. At 22, he brings pace, flair, and a sharp left foot to a front line that’s in transition.
His odds are longer because his role isn’t apparent yet. Will he start regularly? Will he play centrally or wide? Will Salah continue to dominate the scoring load? These are open questions.
However, his upside is clear. If he locks down minutes early and connects well with Liverpool’s playmakers, he has the skill set to reach 20 goals in his debut season. His combination of movement, finishing, and attacking instinct fits well in a side that creates a high volume of chances.
Make sure to keep an eye on the Latest EPL Betting Insights, as Ekitiké is precisely the type of player whose odds could shift quickly with a few strong performances. He may be a long shot now, but that could change fast.
Final Thoughts
As the new Premier League season gets underway, the race for individual honors is already taking shape. Erling Haaland enters as the early Golden Boot favorite, but he won’t go unchallenged. Mohamed Salah remains a consistent force, Alexander Isak is closing the gap, and newcomers like Viktor Gyökeres and Hugo Ekitiké bring fresh storylines to follow. These five players offer different paths to the spotlight. But all are positioned to leave a significant mark on the 2025–26 campaign.
