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Nasri in line for award hat-trick

Samir Nasri has become Arsenal's key player this season

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Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is in contention to win a third ESPN PFA Fans' Player of the Month award, although he faces stiff competition from four rival players in a tight January race.

Nasri has scored twice in the month of January, helping to defeat Birmingham on New Year's Day before netting the opening goal in a 3-1 win over Leeds United in an FA Cup third-round replay. The Frenchman has dazzled throughout the 2010-11 campaign and looks a front-runner for the seasonal individual awards.

Another man enjoying a superb season is Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez. The Argentina star has three goals in his past four games, scoring in two FA Cup games against Leicester City and grabbing a brace against Wolves, the first goal of which was a brilliant solo run.

Gareth Bale is nominated again as he continues his wonderful season for Spurs. The Welshman scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Fulham on New Year's Day to take his tally to the season for seven, and continued to excel wide on the left for the North London side.

Frank Lampard's efforts this season have been disrupted by injury, but the midfielder is back in the Chelsea side and showed Carlo Ancelotti's side what they have been missing this season with three goals in his first four games of the month, including a double against Ipswich in the FA Cup.

Completing the shortlist is Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, who demonstrated in his side's 0-0 draw at Tottenham recently that he is one of the most resolute defenders in the world game. His imperious performance ensured United remain unbeaten.

VOTE NOW for the January winner

ESPN PFA AWARD SHORTLIST - JANUARY

Premier League:
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Championship:
Andy King (Leicester City)
Shane Long (Reading)
Danny Graham (Watford)
Brett Pitman (Bristol City)
Robert Snodgrass (Leeds United)

League One:
Clinton Morrison (Sheffield Wednesday)
Anthony Pilkington (Huddersfield Town)
Glenn Murray (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Shwan Jalal (Bournemouth)
Elliot Bennett (Brighton & Hove Albion)

League Two:
Elliot Benyon (Torquay United)
Shaun Harrad (Burton Albion)
Jack Lester (Chesterfield)
Clayton Donaldson (Crewe)
Cody McDonald (Gillingham)

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