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We're into the business end of the Premier League schedule yet the title race is all but over as Manchester City have dominated the rest of the league. There are the individual awards to look forward to, however.
While all the attention might be on the Golden Boot chasers, the race for the Golden Glove -- an accolade given to the keeper who finishes with the most number of clean sheets -- is heating up!
We look at the four leading candidates who are in the running to claim the prize:
#4 Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) - 13 clean sheets
The current holder, Courtois has enjoyed a good season despite Chelsea's disastrous title defence. Their defence hasn't been as solid as last season's and he has had to make crucial saves quite often to keep this season.
In 28 games, the Belgian has kept 13 clean sheets. He has conceded 26 goals this season and has made 56 saves.
Chelsea have crucial games left to play against Spurs and Liverpool at home this season and an away trip to Burnley. Apart from these three fixtures, you can expect him to keep a clean sheet in the remaining ones.
#3 Hugo Lloris (Tottenham) - 13 clean sheets
The Spurs captain has been one of the most consistent keepers in the league for the last couple of years. Spurs have often proved to be a tough nut to crack in recent times and Lloris has a very good centre-back pairing in Toby Alderweireled and Jan Vertonghen in front of him.
In 27 appearances he has kept 13 clean sheets, already equalling his tally of last season. He has made 56 saves and has conceded only 23 goals this season.
Tottenham have two key fixtures left- against Chelsea and Manchester City. The seven remaining fixtures are appealing on paper. Tottenham have improved defensively of late and have conceded only two goals in their last seven league games.
#2 Ederson (Manchester City) - 13 clean sheets
Bought for £35 million from Benfica, Ederson was the sweeper keeper Guardiola wanted. He replaced Claudio Bravo at goal and a string of brilliant saves saw him cement his place in the team. He is very fast off the line and comfortable with the ball at his feet. He has been vital to City's success this year.
The Brazilian has 13 clean sheets in 29 games. He has conceded only 20 goals and has made 49 saves. In addition to that, he saved two penalties- against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
City's fixtures toughen up a bit as they face United, Spurs and travel to Stoke and Everton in the next four weeks.
#1 David de Gea (Manchester United) - 15 clean sheets
The fact that David de Gea has won Manchester United's player of the season for three years in a row speaks volumes. Week after week, he has been saving a mediocre defence from further criticism by pulling off extraordinary saves. He has been single-handedly winning games, something unique for a goalkeeper. The best goalkeeper in the world according to many.
De Gea came close in 2015-16 when he had just the one clean sheet less than winner Petr Cech. This year he may be on course for the title. The Spaniard has kept 15 clean sheets in 29 games. He has conceded 22 goals this season and has made 95 saves
United's fixtures are not the prettiest and they have games against Arsenal, City and Liverpool this season. United's defensive unit need to be solid or it will take an awful lot of effort from de Gea if he wants to win his maiden Golden Glove.
