It promises to be a close run thing for the Young Player of the Year title too, as Chelsea trio John Terry, Glen Johnson and Scott Parker are up against Arsenal’s Kolo Toure, Everton’s Wayne Rooney and Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Players' Player of the Year (in alphabetical order):

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool): The PFA Young Player of the Year in 2001, Gerrard has continued to grow in stature and has been Liverpool’s outstanding performer this season.

Thierry Henry (Arsenal): Henry has now been nominated for the fourth year in a row and deservedly so, his goals and assists more essential to Arsenal than ever.

Frank Lampard (Chelsea): One of the most consistent performers in the Premiership, and one of the few players in Chelsea’s star-studded squad to command a regular first team place.

Jay-Jay Okocha (Bolton): The Nigerian international has become a cult figure at the Reebok – especially after putting club before country before the African Nations Cup earlier this year.

Alan Shearer (Newcastle United): The former England skipper continues to benefit from his international retirement, as do Champions League chasing Newcastle.

Patrick Vieira Arsenal): Team-mate and fellow countryman Thierry Henry may grab most of the headlines, but no-one under-estimates the contribution of skipper Vieira to Arsenal’s success.

Young Player of the Year (in alphabetical order)

Glen Johnson (Chelsea): A few eyebrows were raised when Chelsea shelled out on a teenager with such limited Premiership experience – but it could be one of the best pieces of business Claudio Ranieri has conducted.

Scott Parker (Chelsea): Another promising English youngster who has earnt his place among the world stars available to Ranieri.

Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City): References are often made to his famous father, but they might cease as the new England cap continues to make a big name for himself.

Wayne Rooney (Everton): A Young Player of the Year nominee for the second year running, Rooney has lived up to the hype surrounding his dramatic rise to stardom.

John Terry (Chelsea): Continues to grow in stature both as a defender and a leader and, together with Frank Lampard, is one of the first names Ranieri writes down on his team sheet.

Kolo Toure (Arsenal): Has really made his mark in Arsenal’s side this season, developing into a top class central defender and the perfect partner for Sol Campbell.