Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first player to win the award three years in a row, despite failing to recapture last season's stunning form. An ankle injury and continued speculation over a move to Real Madrid have blighted the Portuguese winger's year, but with 15 goals in 28 appearances he finds himself the Premier League's top scorer once again and has been mediocre only by his own very high standardsPhotograph: Michael Regan/Action ImagesManchester United's Nemanja Vidic Vidic has been a revelation this season, complementing his partner Rio Ferdinand's style with aggression and commitment in defending. It is fair to say Vidic has surpassed his counterpart, having played more league games (28) and scored four goals, some of which have been crucial in securing points (notably at home to Sunderland). Has been less impressive since being given the run-around by Fernando Torres during Liverpool's 4-1 win at Old TraffordPhotograph: Jon Super/APLiverpool's mercurial skipper, Steven Gerrard, has been the driving force behind the club's Premier League campaign, guiding them to their best chance of reclaiming the title after a 19-year wait. Third on the top scorer's chart with 13 goals from 27 appearances, he helped fill the void in Fernando Torres's absence in the early part of the season. Seven assists to his name further cement his position as the complete attacking midfielder this season Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action ImagesManchester United's Edwin van der Sar has been the Premier League's stand-out goalkeeper this season, having broken the English league record for not conceding a goal, a colossal 1,311 minutes. In total he has kept 18 clean sheets so far, the most in the Premier League. Despite pressure from promising understudy Ben Foster, Van der Sar has shown why he holds the Manchester United No1 jersey firmly in his graspPhotograph: Michael Regan/Action ImagesManchester United's Ryan Giggs created history once more as the only player to score in every Premier League season, and his continued influence in the United side demonstrates the astonishing ability of English football's most decorated player. No longer the pacy winger at 35 years of age, Giggs has reinvented himself with great success as a roaming forward, providing six assists and one league goal. His energy is limitless and should continue into next seasonPhotograph: Tom Jenkins/GuardianManchester United's Rio Ferdinand has forged a dominant partnership with Nemanja Vidic this season, as the club have conceded just 21 goals. Perhaps more significant is Ferdinand's influence across the squad, which has seen younger players such as Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva being nurtured into performing with aplomb when called upon. With 23 league appearances so far this season, Ferdinand's leadership has been critical to United's campaignPhotograph: David Davies/PA
