Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have both made the shortlist for the August EA Sports Premier League Player of the Month award, following standout performances in the club’s opening two fixtures of the season.

Alongside new arrival Morgan Rogers, the pair have formed a lethal attacking trio under new manager Xabi Alonso, with Joao Pedro and Palmer combining for seven goal involvements across matches against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Brazilian forward set the tone early at Craven Cottage, finding the net just 33 seconds into the campaign after a clever assist from Palmer.

Minutes later, Joao Pedro returned the favour, teeing up Palmer for a tight-angle finish that secured a 2-1 win over Fulham.

The duo continued their partnership in Chelsea’s first home game of the season, a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton. Joao Pedro netted the Blues’ third goal with a composed finish, before setting up Palmer once more for a spectacular solo run and strike that sealed the points.

Voting for the award is now open and will remain so until midday on Monday, September 7, with the winner to be revealed at 11am on Friday, September 11.

Joining Palmer and Joao Pedro on the eight-man shortlist are Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal, Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Brentford’s Mamadou Sangare, Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa.