Chelsea Duo Up For October Premier League Awards

Following a quiet September, Chelsea are in contention for the Premier League's awards for the month of October.

After receiving three nominations in August, with Joao Pedro collecting the Premier League Player of the Month award, the Blues are once again in the spotlight.

Xabi Alonso's side sit fourth heading into the November schedule after nine matches. The Spaniard's side bounced back following a disappointing September, which saw defeats to Arsenal and Brentford, as well as a 2-2 draw at home against newly promoted Hull City.

Chelsea won three matches out of a possible four during October, and a good month has seen Xabi Alonso nominated for the Manager of the Month award for a second time this season.

The 44-year-old has overseen victories against Bournemouth, Everton and Manchester United this month, although those victories have been slightly overshadowed by the 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

Alonso has had to make do without his star striker, Joao Pedro, who has been injured for the majority of October. Therefore, nine points from a possible twelve may well be considered a good return.

Other nominees for the Manager of the Month award include Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Roberto De Zerbi (Tottenham), Unai Emery (Aston Villa), Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton) and Marco Rose (Bournemouth).

Another award in which the west London side have received recognition is in the goalkeeping department. Mike Penders' stunning save against Manchester United has seen him nominated for the Save of the Month award.

The Belgian came off the bench during the second half of Chelsea's 2-0 victory away to Everton after Emiliano Martinez was stretchered off following a jaw injury. The 21-year-old pulled off a stunning stop against the Red Devils to secure his first full Premier League clean-sheet.

Penders has been joined by five other goalkeepers on the shortlist. The other nominees are Zion Suzuki (Aston Villa), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Christian Walton (Ipswich Town), Walter Benitez and Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace).

Voting for both awards closes on November 9, with the winners announced midway through the international break on November 13.

Will Penders stay as Chelsea's number one?

Despite an encouraging spell between the posts, Mike Penders could soon find himself returning to the bench. Although he has overseen two Premier League victories out of a possible three and producing an impressive performance in the League Cup defeat to Liverpool, it is expected that Martinez will retain the number one spot.

The Argentine goalkeeper returned to first-team training ahead of the clash against Sunderland, and it remains to be seen whether he will get the nod before the international break.

The 34-year-old was also recently called up by his country for two international friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, suggesting that his return is getting closer.

If Martinez were to return as Chelsea's number one, Penders has certainly shown positive signs of what is to come. The stronger the Blues are, the better, as competition can push both goalkeepers to improve.