The race for the first EA SPORTS Premier League Player of the Month award of the 2026/27 season is officially underway, with eight players making the shortlist for August.
The nominees include a mix of established Premier League stars, exciting new arrivals, and players making an early impact with newly promoted clubs.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes stands out as one of the leading contenders after producing a sensational performance in his side’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich. The Portuguese midfielder scored a hat-trick and provided an assist as United secured their first league win of the new campaign.
Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki has also enjoyed an impressive start and earns recognition for his contributions during the opening weeks of the season.
Chelsea have two representatives on the shortlist, with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro both making the cut. Palmer has continued his strong form under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, while Joao Pedro has also impressed early in the campaign.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is another nominee, joining Brentford midfielder Mamadou Sangaré and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa on the eight-man list.
Wissa has made an immediate impact since joining Newcastle, registering a goal and an assist in his opening two Premier League appearances. His contribution included a goal during Newcastle’s 2-0 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur.
One of the standout stories, meanwhile, comes from newly promoted Hull City. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis has been rewarded for helping the Tigers make a perfect start to life in the Premier League, keeping clean sheets in each of their first two matches.
The eight nominees are:
- Riccardo Calafiori — Arsenal
- Rayan Cherki — Manchester City
- Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United
- Cole Palmer — Chelsea
- Joao Pedro — Chelsea
- Mamadou Sangaré — Brentford
- Konstantinos Tzolakis — Hull City
- Yoane Wissa — Newcastle United
With several players already making strong statements at the beginning of the campaign, the outcome promises to be a closely contested battle for the first individual Premier League award of the new season.
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