Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane head shortlist for Premier League player of the month for October
Manchester City duo leading contenders to scoop award - but face competition from Arsenal, Burnley, Brighton and Crystal Palace in the poll
KEVIN DE BRUYNE and Leroy Sane are in competition to be named the Premier League's player of the month for October.
Manchester City stars De Bruyne and Sane have been in blistering form to help Pep Guardiola's side set the early place in the top flight.
And the duo lead the shortlist of six players now in the running to scoop the monthly award.
Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal is also nominated - along with Burnley's stand-in goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Wilfried Zaha's dramatic impact since recovering from injury at Crystal Palace has seen him make the shortlist.
And Brighton's veteran striker Glenn Murray completes the list of six nominations - with the winner chosen by a public vote.
But it is City stars Saner and De Bruyne who look to be out in front of their four rivals in the battle for the award.
Belgium midfielder De Bruyne has been in sensational form at the heart of his side's stunning form which has seen them emerge as the team to beat this season.
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The 26-year-old only scored once in October, but he created a further three goals
and was a major influence on all the matches.
Yet his form was matched by team-mate Sane, who scored three goals in three appearances last month as he hit top form for the first time this season.
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But the City ace is not the only player to have struck three league goals in the month - with Brighton's Murray also finding his form in the top flight.
His double helped Chris Hughton's side to victory over West Ham and he also scored a crucial equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Southampton last week.
When England keeper Tom Heaton suffered a long-term injury there were fears it could spell disaster for Burnley.
But 25-year-old Pope has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, producing a string of top class saves to keep four clean sheets for the in-form Clarets.
Palace's early season struggles have left them facing a battle to claw their way out of relegation trouble, but the return of Zaha has breathed new life into their campaign.
He shone in the shock win over Chelsea, and helped inspire the side to snatch a late draw against West Ham.
Gunners defender Monreal is the final nominee, scoring twice as well as being one of the side's most consistent performers over the month.