Martin Odegaard and Cole Palmer to battle for Player of the Season as talkSPORT pundits pick who they cannot wait to see star in the Premier League

It's rivalries renewed as the Premier League season returns.

The 2024/25 season begins on Friday 15 August when the challenge begins to see if anyone can knock defending champions Manchester City off their throne.

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The opening game sees Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford from 8pm, live on talkSPORT.

But as fans eagerly anticipate what promises to be another gripping title race, eyes will also be on the league's individual stars as they fight it out to be named Player of the Season.

Man City striker Phil Foden took home the award last season after a stunning string of performances which helped his side to a record fourth consecutive Premier League title victory.

But will the England star be able to replicate his form as the shining star in the top tier this time around? Or can someone else take their own place in the spotlight?

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Here, marvelbet369.com breaks down what our pundits have to say ahead of the new season thanks to

Emile Heskey

Former Liverpool striker Heskey made his debut in the Premier League when he was still just 17 - so it is perhaps no surprise that he has tipped another youngster who is lighting up the pitch as the player who will shine this year.

"I'm going to go with Cole Palmer," he said. "I think he had a fantastic season. Didn't know if anyone was actually expecting that, but knowing his confidence, knowing his ability, he was outrageous.

"And then to go to the Euros and not necessarily play, but when called upon really put in some good performances where people were asking should he be starting.

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"And then seeing if he can actually do it again."

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The Chelsea forward had an exceptional season last year, scoring 25 goals in 45 appearances for the club, and earning himself a spot on the Euro 2024 roster.

He has recently delighted Blues fans by signing a contract extension with the club - and supporters will be hoping he hits the ground running (and scoring) as soon as the new season gets underway.

Ally McCoist

Meanwhile, for Breakfast Show host and former Rangers striker McCoist, the player he is most excited to see might be a less obvious one - but it could well end up being a very shrewd pick indeed.

"Ross Barkley," he said. "It's a bit of a bold statement because I thought he had a fantastic season last year. I enjoyed watching him, I liked everything about him last year."

"Luton, I thought they went about their business really well. I thought it was really refreshing and great to see him back playing, controlling games against top-class opposition."

Barkley signed for Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window which means not only will he be playing Premier League football this season, he will also be playing Champions League football.

"I'm delighted that he's back playing, staying in the top flight and I think he could have a great season," explained McCoist.

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But while the talkSPORT Breakfast host is most excited to see the Villa midfielder in action, he has tipped another key player to win Player of the Season instead.

"I'm going to go for (Martin) Odegaard who I think is a wonderful, wonderful football player," said McCoist. "I think he's really easy to watch.

"Brilliant drifts - makes himself space. Intelligent use of the ball, great vision. And I'm going to go for him as my Player of the Year."

The Arsenal captain is entering his sixth season at the club, having spent one season on-loan to the Gunners before signing permanently in 2021.

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With 33 goals in 133 appearances, it is his ability as a playmaker which really makes him stand out - and if Arsenal are to challenge for the title again this season, he is likely to have more than a little to do with it.

Wes Brown

Former Manchester United defender Brown has stayed loyal to his club roots when naming the player he is most excited to see in action.

"For me, it's because I missed him - it's (Lisandro) Martinez. Big miss last season. He's sort of been a rock when he plays and I'm looking forward to getting back to the way he was playing when he was fully fit."

The Argentinian was plagued by injury last season, hurting his foot earlier in the season - which kept him out for four months.

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He then suffered horrific damage to his knee ligament in a collision in February, ruling him out for many weeks, and only returned for the FA Cup final - which United incidentally won.

Jeff Stelling

Perhaps this settles the debate!

Stelling has also tipped Palmer to show his quality yet again this season, praising the maturity and calm nature of his play.

"What a burden of expectation on this young man's shoulder but it never seems to weigh him down: Cole Palmer. When he exploded onto the scene last season, he seems to be nerveless, doesn't he?"

The 22-year-old was equally nerveless during the Euro 2024 final, when he scored a goal to keep England in contention for the trophy - and though the Three Lions eventually lost, Palmer had already proved just how good he could be on the biggest stage.

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And fans will be eagerly waiting to see if he can do it all over again this season in the Premier League.

The Premier League begins on Friday 16 August live on talkSPORT when Manchester United take on Fulham