Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane lead Premier League player of the month race... while Burnley keeper Nick Pope gets the nod

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Manchester City hit-men Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane lead the race for the Premier League October player of the month.

Arsenal's Nacho Monreal also joins the contest for last month's award, while stand-in Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope earns himself a nomination with Wilfried Zaha and Brighton's Glenn Murray making up the six.

The City contingent, De Bruyne and Sane, have set the top-flight alight so far this season having fired Pep Guardiola's side five points clear at the summit. 

Kevin De Bruyne leads the way for the Premier League player of the month award

The Belgian is joined by City team-mate Leroy Sane for the October award

While the Belgian has just one league goal this season, the 26-year-old had three assists for three games last month, while City fired 13 October goals, with De Bruyne consistently pulling the strings at the Etihad Stadium.

Sane meanwhile, has netted three times in his three appearances, as well as providing three assists for his team-mates.

Murray's three goals - two against West Ham and another in the 1-1 draw with Southampton - have helped Brighton to a three-game unbeaten run and lifted them to 12th. 

Tom Heaton's early-season injury appeared to be the start of a disastrous start for Burnley, but Nick Pope's efforts have been heroic at times.

Since taking his place between the sticks at Turf Moor, he has kept four clean sheets resulting in just one defeat in seven games for Sean Dyche's Premier League high-flyers.

Glenn Murray (left) and Nick Pope have been star men for Brighton and Burnley this season

Zaha's resurgence from a knee injury couldn't have come at a better time for Crystal Palace - the worst starting side in Premier League history - after guiding them to victory over champions Chelsea at Selhurst Park, before scoring a 97th minute equaliser in Palace's 2-2 draw with the Hammers.

Last but certainly not least comes Monreal. The Spaniard has been one of the more consistent players for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal this season - playing every minute of the Gunners' Premier League games - and has two goals from central defence.

Wilfried Zaha's (left) return from injury has been welcomed by struggling Crystal Palace while Nacho Monreal has played every Premier League minute for Arsenal this season