The Premier League Manager of the Season shortlist has been confirmed with Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola set to face off once more.
The shortlist was announced on Thursday afternoon with six bosses in the English top-flight up for the gong. Supporters will decide on the winner via an online vote and have just a matter of days to decide.
The winner of the award will be announced on Tuesday 30 May. Fans are sure to have a difficult decision to select the winner with a number of bosses enjoying standout campaigns this term. Manchester City boss and three-time previous winner Guardiola is among the front-runners once more.
The Spaniard has his side sitting top of the league and they are now on the verge of claiming their third consecutive title. City will win the league should they beat Chelsea this weekend. They also have the chance to claim what would be an historic treble after booking their place in both the Champions League and FA Cup finals.
Guardiola’s former assistant Arteta has also been nominated for the award after a stunning campaign. His Arsenal side have endured a brilliant season and despite their title challenge faltering, the progress at the Emirates Stadium is still eye-catching.
Moving just one place down the Premier League standings, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has also been nominated. The former Bournemouth head coach has enjoyed a stunning first full season at St James’ Park.
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The Magpies are set to qualify for the Champions League. They also managed to reach the Carabao Cup final under his stewardship.
A number of other European contenders are also well in the running. Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is among the nominees after his outstanding impact at Aston Villa.
The Spaniard replaced Steven Gerrard in the Midlands and has dragged the side from the foot of the table. Villa currently sit eighth and could yet secure a European spot.
Roberto De Zerbi is also another mid-season appointment to have taken to the Premier League seamlessly. After being named as Graham Potter ’s replacement, he has built on the former Chelsea’s boss’ foundations with the Seagulls sitting sixth after a wonderful campaign. They could qualify for Europe for the first time ever.
Rounding off the six nominees is Fulham boss Marco Silva. The Portuguese has led the Cottagers to 15 wins during their first season back in the top-flight.
One notable absence from the latest list is Liverpool ’s Jurgen Klopp. He is a two-time winner of the award and the current holder. His side have failed to match the heights of previous campaigns but could still end the season in the Champions League places after an inspired run of form. Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil and Brentford's Thomas Frank have also been omitted.
