The 10 Hottest Candidates for the Premier League Golden Boot 2026/27
The 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off tonight with one match on the schedule: reigning champions Arsenal host newly promoted Coventry at the Emirates Stadium at 21:00 CET (20:00 UK time). We are not going to look at which teams might win the title this season; instead, we turn our attention to the battle for the Golden Boot, which has one very clear favourite before the season begins. We are, of course, talking about Erling Haaland, who finished as the league's top scorer again last season with 27 goals and has now won the award three times in four years. Mohamed Salah, who won the Golden Boot in 2024/25, has also left the Premier League, meaning that one of Haaland's main rivals from recent years is no longer around.Behind the Norwegian, however, there is an interesting group of challengers. Alexander Isak will be looking to bounce back after an injury-hit first season at Liverpool, Igor Thiago will want to build on his 22 goals for Brentford, and several forwards at the top clubs have the potential to take a major step forward. Here, we rank the ten players we believe have the best chance of winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2026/27. The average odds below are approximate and can naturally change quickly, while the odds also vary between different bookmakers (although they are generally fairly similar).
1. Erling Haaland, Manchester City
It is difficult to start anywhere else. Erling Haaland scored 27 league goals last season and has now scored a total of 112 goals in 132 Premier League matches since joining Manchester City. His lowest league tally during his first four seasons in England is 22 goals. Coach Pep Guardiola has left and Enzo Maresca has taken over, but City will still create plenty of chances and Haaland is the team's obvious finisher. If he stays fit, he is by far the most likely winner, something that is also clearly reflected in the bookmakers' odds.Approximate average odds: 1.65
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2. Alexander Isak, Liverpool
Alexander Isak's first season at Liverpool was far from what the club had hoped for, mainly because of the injury problems he suffered. However, the Swede has already shown his highest level in the Premier League, scoring 23 goals for Newcastle in the 2024/25 season. Liverpool also need to find new attacking routes following Salah's departure from the club. If Isak can stay fit, establish himself as the clear focal point of Andoni Iraola's attack and retain the coach's trust, he has the ability to get close to 20-25 goals again.Approximate average odds: 9.25
3. Igor Thiago, Brentford
Last season's big surprise in the battle at the top of the scoring charts was Igor Thiago. The Brentford striker scored 22 goals and finished second behind Haaland. Eight of those goals did come from the penalty spot, which makes it reasonable to question whether he can repeat those numbers, but his role in the team is ideal for him and his style of play. He is the team's clear number nine and gets plenty of shooting opportunities inside the penalty area. Brentford's overall goal output does put a certain ceiling on how many goals he can realistically score, but Thiago is now an established contender from the outset.Approximate average odds: 12.75
4. João Pedro, Chelsea
João Pedro scored 15 league goals last season despite Chelsea finishing tenth. During one spell after the turn of the year, he also scored eight goals in eight matches. Chelsea have no European football to spend energy on this season, and new coach Xabi Alonso has had a full preseason with the team. With Cole Palmer and marquee signing Morgan Rogers around him, João Pedro should get plenty of goalscoring opportunities. One question, however, is whether he can be consistent enough over 38 matches.Approximate average odds: 14.75
5. Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres' first Premier League season started slowly, but his finish to the campaign changed the picture considerably. The Swede ended the season with 14 goals, nine of which came in his final 15 matches. That suggests he has adapted to the pace of the league and Arsenal's style of play. As a central striker for the reigning champions, he will get plenty of goalscoring opportunities, and if his spring form carries over into the new season, he could become one of Haaland's most dangerous challengers. One question mark, however, is whether he is Arteta's first choice if Kai Havertz stays fit.Approximate average odds: 20.00
6. Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins may not be the most spectacular candidate on the list, but he is one of the most reliable. He has scored at least 15 Premier League goals in four consecutive seasons and finished 2025/26 with a total of 16 goals. To actually win the Golden Boot, he will probably need to raise his level another couple of notches, but he plays regularly, is central to Unai Emery's attack and has shown time and again that he can deliver. There are also reports of strong interest from Saudi club Al-Hilal, and if he leaves Aston Villa, it will of course be impossible for him to win the Premier League Golden Boot.Approximate average odds: 22.50
7. Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United
Benjamin Sesko had an inconsistent debut season in England, but Manchester United improved significantly after Michael Carrick took over and eventually finished third. The Slovenian remains the team's clearest out-and-out number nine and has both the physical attributes and finishing ability to score significantly more goals in his second year. Competition from Bryan Mbeumo and other attacking options does, however, make his situation less straightforward than that of several players higher up the list. He also needs to be given more starts if he is to become a serious contender.Approximate average odds: 26.50
8. Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City
Antoine Semenyo scored a total of 17 Premier League goals for Bournemouth and Manchester City last season, including seven goals in 17 league appearances after his January move to City. He has both the goalscoring form and the surroundings to reach impressive numbers. The problem, of course, is Haaland. As long as the Norwegian stays fit, he will account for a very large share of City's goalscoring opportunities, while Semenyo also tends to play out wide.Approximate average odds: 28.50
9. Cole Palmer, Chelsea
Cole Palmer is not a traditional center-forward, but he has already shown that he can score enough goals to challenge near the top. He remains a key player for Chelsea and also has the advantage of being very reliable from the penalty spot. The downside is that Chelsea now have more players who can share the goals, particularly João Pedro and Morgan Rogers. To win the Golden Boot, Palmer will probably need a season in which almost everything falls into place.Approximate average odds: 35.00
10. Dominic Solanke, Tottenham
We finish the list with Dominic Solanke, who takes the final spot ahead of several players with similar chances. Tottenham have made major changes under Roberto De Zerbi, and a more attacking, possession-based Spurs side could suit him well. At the same time, there are clear question marks. He has had injury problems ahead of the opening game and competition in Tottenham's attack has increased. If he can quickly return to full fitness and establish himself as the first-choice central striker, he can score plenty of goals, but the path to actually winning the Golden Boot is a long one.Approximate average odds: 39.50