PFA nominations announced

Manchester City's emergence as a Premier League force is also confirmed by the presence of Carlos Tevez, who has been such a pivotal figure for the club since his summer move to Eastlands. History is not on Tevez's side, however. No player from outside the big four of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea has won the award since Tottenham's David Ginola did so in 1999.

City also have a representative for the young player prize, although in Joe Hart's case that has only happened following a successful loan move to Birmingham City.

>>guardian.co.uk.

Whilst Tevez has had a fantastic season (particularly of late), it would be a big surprise if he were to win the award given the form of Wayne Rooney (who will undoubtedly be announced as the winner) and Cesc Fabregas over the course of the whole season. Given the voting takes place around the end of February, his recent blistering form will surely have come too late to see him pick up enough votes to win the award.

It would perhaps be unjust for him not to be selected for the Premier League team of the year, but again, he may find his path blocked by both Rooney and also Didier Drogba who will garner plenty of attention.

As for Joe Hart, his appearance in the young player of the year category is testament to the excellent season he has had on loan at Birmingham, where he has progressed tremendously to the point where Roberto Mancini may keep him at the club for 2010/11.

Like Tevez, it would be a surprise if Hart won the award against some of the more fancied candidates named on the shortlist, but he could feasibly see himself selected to the team of the year category.

PFA player of the year shortlist

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal)

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

PFA young player of the year shortlist

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal)

Joe Hart (on loan at Birmingham City from Manchester City)

James Milner (Aston Villa)