SPORTS: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Schmeichel and three others battling for EPL golden gloves

The race for the Premier League’s Golden Glove is proving to be a tight battle, with a host of top flight goalkeepers firmly in the mix to land the prestigious award.

Alisson Becker and his Award

Liverpool’s Alisson claimed the honour last season after keeping a division high of 21 clean sheets, the highest tally of any shot-stopper over the course of the past decade.

The Brazilian international is likely to be amongst the contenders once more as he keeps goal for the unbeaten league leaders, but which other goalkeepers are vying for the title?

Here are the six leading goalkeepers currently battling for the Premier League’s Golden Glove…

Ederson – Manchester City (8 clean sheets)

The Manchester City goalkeepers continues to be one of the champion’s most consistent performers despite their indifferent form this season, keeping eight clean sheets so far for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Brazilian was named in the PFA Team of the Year last season but missed out to compatriot Alisson by just one shut-out in the race to secure the Golden Glove, and will be hopeful of taking the crown for the first time this season after starring since his arrival in English football.

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Ben Foster – Watford (8 clean sheets)

Despite Watford’s struggles near the foot of the division, goalkeeper Foster is amongst the leading contenders for the Golden Glove having amassed eight clean sheets for the season so far.

The 36-year-old continues to be amongst the most reliable number ones in the division, and will likely play a crucial role ahead of the Premier League run-in as the relegation-threatened Hornets battle to avoid the drop.

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Kasper Schmeichel – Leicester (9 clean sheets)

Leicester’s run to the Champions League places has been one of the stories of the season so far, Brendan Rodgers’ impressive side currently in prime position to secure a return to Europe’s elite next season.

Whilst the likes of Jamie Vardy and James Maddison have drawn most of the plaudits, the Foxes’ push for a top four finish has been built on a foundation of defensive solidity.

Kasper Schmeichel is one of the few remaining at the King Power Stadium from the club’s famed title-winning side of four years ago, and continues to provide a commanding presence as the last line of the Leicester defence, keeping nine clean sheets so far this season.

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Nick Pope – Burnley (9 clean sheets)

Could Nick Pope force his way into the England side ahead of this summer’s European Championships?

The twice-capped England international has kept nine clean sheets in the Premier League this season, and with current number one Jordan Pickford struggling for form could play his way into contention for a starting spot under Gareth Southgate this summer.

The 27-year-old has re-established himself as first-choice at Turf Moor and has kept two clean sheets in his past three fixtures to move into contention for the Golden Glove, the Clarets currently on a four-game unbeaten run to move within just six points of the European places.

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Dean Henderson – Sheffield United (9 clean sheets)

Another player likely to be hoping for the call from England this summer, Henderson has enjoyed another stellar campaign on-loan at Bramall Lane from Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has caught the eye with some impressive performances for Chris Wilder’s thriving Sheffield United side, with only league leaders Liverpool having conceded less goals than the Yorkshire outfit.

Blades’ fans are dreaming of a top four finish ahead of the closing stages of the season, and a run towards to Golden Glove for Henderson could pave the way for a remarkable ending to a memorable campaign.

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Alisson – Liverpool (10 clean sheets)

Last season’s winner and the current leader in the race for the Golden Glove, it is difficult to look past Liverpool’s Alisson as he seeks a second successive award.

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The runaway Premier League leaders have conceded just 15 goals all season and have kept ten clean sheets from their past 11 fixtures, the Brazilian international moving into the lead for the Golden Glove despite missing two months of the season with a calf injury.

Jurgen Klopp’s side’s record-breaking start to the campaign has left them on the verge of claiming an elusive league title, with Alisson proving to be a hugely influential figure behind the league’s best defence.