Sadio Mane has been in scintillating form this season

The Senegalese forward has been in inspired form already this season, as Liverpool took seven points from their first nine.

Mane has scored in each of his three games for the Reds so far and was on target for Senegal as they drew 2-2 with Burkina Faso in midweek.

Liverpool fans will take extra pleasure from the result due to three Manchester United players also being nominated for the prize.

Mane, 25, beat United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Phil Jones and Romelu Lukaku to the accolade.

He also pipped fellow Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.

Mane's blistering start has also seen him move to the head of the betting for Premier League Player of the Year.

He is now favourite to take the crown, with Frenchman Paul Pogba behind him.

Mane has flourished and taken centre stage in the absence of playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Sadio Mane torments the Arsenal defence in a 4-0 win

And boss Jurgen Klopp announced the Brazilian would not be in the squad for tomorrow's game, meaning Mane and Salah will get another chance to show what they can do.

New addition Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also be in the squad after his late move from Arsenal.

Right-back Nathaniel Clyne is still absent, meaning the former Gunner may be played down the right.