Last season proved to be one of the most boring Golden Boot races in Premier League history as Erling Haaland took a massive early lead and ended up smashing the record goal tally held by Mohamed Salah for a 38-game campaign.
The Norwegian colossus ended on 36 league goals from 35 matches in 2022/23, making a mockery of those who suggested he would need time to adjust to life in England.
All bar Haaland and his Manchester City teammates will be hoping for a competitive race for the Golden Boot during the 2023/24 season, so let's take a look at who might win the award next term.
Erling Haaland
Let's begin with the boring answer: Erling Haaland.
Having scored more goals than played league games last season, registering four separate hat-tricks and scoring against 16 of the other 19 teams in the Premier League, the odds on Haaland not to lift the Golden Boot will be astronomical.
Unless Guardiola shifts him to right-back or drops him for 15 matches, Haaland will likely be the division's top sharpshooter next year.
Harry Kane
If Harry Kane is playing in the Premier League next season - and that's a big if - he will undoubtedly be among the division's top marksmen.
Despite playing in a fairly dismal Tottenham team last season, Kane still put up 30 goals in the Premier League. If he stays with the Lilywhites instead of joining Bayern Munich, the England captain could prosper under a far more attacking system implemented by new boss Ange Postecoglou.
When fit and playing, there are few better strikers in world football. One would expect him to easily reach the 20-goal mark next season with little to no fuss, but surpassing Haaland should the Norwegian retain his goalscoring form is a different proposition altogether.
Mohamed Salah
Now the only surviving member of Liverpool's devastating attacking triumvirate with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino no longer at Anfield, Mohamed Salah will be desperate to improve his and the Reds' performances next year.
While he still managed an impressive 19 goals last season in spite of Liverpool's stuttering form, the Egyptian did not quite hit his usual levels of brilliance.
A more well-structured and rested Liverpool team may help Salah rediscover his scintillating best and there is no doubt he will work tirelessly to make it back to the number one spot.
The winger previously held the record for most goals in a single 38-game Premier League season, notching 32 back in his debut Anfield campaign in 2017/18, but reclaiming that record may prove near impossible.
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Christopher Nkunku
While not an orthodox number nine, Christopher Nkunku has shown he has no issues finding the back of the net. The former RB Leipzig man was equal-top goalscorer in the Bundesliga last season and has already managed two goals in pre-season for the Blues.
Having now finally arrived at Stamford Bridge after a long delay to his transfer, the timing may have worked out perfectly. The French forward has managed to avoid the negativity that surrounded Chelsea last season, meaning Nkunku can be a real breath of fresh air for Chelsea and the offensive-minded Mauricio Pochettino.
Nkunku would admittedly be an outside bet for the Golden Boot award, but it would be foolish not to consider him.
Marcus Rashford
One of Erik ten Hag's greatest achievements was getting Marcus Rashford back to his best. The winger scored 17 times, equalling his best ever season at Old Trafford and proving his most prolific campaign since 2019/20.
With a new striker in Rasmus Hojlund seemingly on his way, Rashford will be able to operate from the left-hand side next season. The 25-year-old has said he prefers playing in a wider role and that is where he has exhibited his best form in a United shirt.
Rashford's pace, trickery and precision make him a difficult player for full-backs to deal with and he'll be hoping to up his goal tally next term.
Bukayo Saka
Having bounced back from his England penalty heartbreak, Bukayo Saka has blossomed into one of the most exciting young players in world football.
His performances and 14 goals were partly responsible for Arsenal's excellent title charge last season and Mikel Arteta will be wanting even more from the 21-year-old next year. He has featured in every Premier League game for the last two seasons and can definitely increase his statistical output next year should he play all 38 matches again.
With Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber arriving at the Emirates, Arsenal will be hopeful of pushing City even closer for the title next season, but for that to happen Saka must play his part.
Alexander Isak
Towards the latter stages of the season, Alexander Isak was one of Newcastle's key contributors up front, finishing with ten goals in the Premier League.
While Callum Wilson finished with a higher total than the Sweden international, injuries have always plagued Wilson's career on Tyneside. Isak proved a capable deputy in his absence and the pair functioned well alongside one another when required.
His speed, close control and finishing prowess can see him flourish into a truly devastating centre-forward and the 23-year-old has the capacity to push on in his second Premier League season.
Final 2022/23 Premier League Golden Boot standings
This article was originally published on 90min as Premier League top scorers 2023/24: Who will win the Golden Boot?.
