As it stands, only Gareth Bale looks capable of preventing Robin van Persie from collecting his second successive award – Al Hain-Cole looks at the other possible candidates

Despite there being almost a third of the season still to play, footballers around the country are currently casting their votes for the PFA Player of the year.

Robin van Persie’s continued excellence since swapping Arsenal for Manchester United makes him the favourite to collect the accolade for the second successive season, with Bet Victor offering odds of just 2/5 (1.40) on the Premier League’s top scorer adding the gong to his impending championship medal come April.

Trailing the Dutchman by just a single goal in the scoring charts, Luis Suarez’s accomplishments are perhaps even more impressive considering they have been achieved for an inconsistent Liverpool side, but the striker’s controversial reputation makes him unlikely to be nominated by his peers, as the hefty 33/1 (34.00) odds indicate.

That same price is also on offer for Swansea sensation Michu, whose goals since his bargain £2 million move have helped to propel the Welsh club to their first ever major silverware in the Capital One Cup, and well as Leighton Baines, who has been the stand-out performer in an impressive Everton outfit this season.

At 2/1 (3.00), Gareth Bale is the only man considered capable of really challenging Van Persie to the title. His explosion into a regular match-winner has been so dramatic it has even made a classy Tottenham side seem like a one-man team.

The next closest competitor is Juan Mata, whose performances this season would surely warrant a more modest price than the current 20/1 (21.00), were it not for the relatively mediocre season his team Chelsea are currently enduring.

Many believed that sentiment was behind Ryan Giggs’ nomination in 2009, and with his days seemingly numbered in the Premier League, 66/1 (67.00) shot Frank Lampard may be allowed the same courtesy for his evergreen performances under difficult circumstances, having surprisingly never previously won the award.

Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard have both lit up the league since moving to England last summer, but their clubs’ disappointing seasons make them complete outsiders at 100/1 (101.00).

2010 winner Wayne Rooney has been living in Van Persie’s shadow since the former Arsenal man’s arrival at Old Trafford, and that is reflected in the 100/1 (101.00) odds on offer for him to scoop the prize – the same as for the massively improved Theo Walcott and Marouane Fellaini.

Champions Manchester City’s poor form is underlined by the lack of any of their players among the favourites, with Yaya Toure, David Silva, Sergio Aguero (all 100/1) and Carlos Tevez 150/1 (151.00) the best they can muster.

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Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.

The 18-year-old earned his first senior England cap soon after bursting onto the scene at Anfield, but insists he remains realistic about his need to keep improving

Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling insists does not feel he has “made it” at Anfield yet, despite enjoying a breakthrough year at the club.

The 18-year-old has undergone a meteoric recent rise, having made 23 Premier League appearances this term and earning his first England cap during a November friendly against Sweden.

However, the former QPR youth product says he knows he must keep improving, and is willing to accept his place on the bench following the January arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.

“I’ve had to do quite a bit of growing up, to keep my head down, and I understand completely I haven’t made it yet – as a young player you’ve just got to keep working hard all the time,” he said.

“I understand the situation, and hopefully I can get on the bench and then make an impact coming off the bench. That is the way to keep progressing, to try and get a chance and then to take it.

“I don’t feel an added pressure. I can’t try and overdo it. I’ve got to play my normal game and hopefully that will work out.”

Sterling has scored just two league goals so far this term, and revealed that his shooting is one of many areas he is working on.

“I’ve been in the gym a few times a week. Size isn’t an issue as long as you can hold your own on the pitch, but I am working hard to improve all the time,” he added.

“I want to work on my long-distance shooting and my decision making. I want to make the first team grade, because I think everyone who plays for Liverpool has to pinch themselves now and again.

“It’s a dream come true for all the players. You’ve got to realise that it’s real, kick on with it, work hard and try to do your best for the football club.”

The winger was born in Jamaica but chose to represent England at international level having moved to London at the age of five – a decision he says he remains comfortable with.

“I grew up playing for England’s youth teams and it just didn’t seem right to switch,” he said.

“I want to continue my education with England – I’m really grateful for what they have done for me.”

Sterling has not abandoned his homeland, however, and is intent on using his new-found wealth to invest in community projects.

“When I go to Jamaica in the summer I’m looking to pay for two primary schools in my area, for the whole school’s school fees and their lunch money for the year,” he explained.

“I went last summer. Everyone is living okay but not everyone has it easy – their mums and dads have to work hard for it.

“If I can chip in and help, that would be good.”

The Uruguayan appeared to stand on Czech Republic international, Tomas Hubocan, during Liverpool’s clash with the Russians on Thursday, in which he scored twice

Luis Suarez will not be investigated for an apparent stamp on Zenit defender Tomas Hubocan in Liverpool’s clash with the Russians in the Europa League last week.

The Uruguayan was pictured stepping on the Czech Republic international’s back towards the end of the Reds’ 3-1 win, which was not enough to take them through to the round of 16, as Zenit won on away goals.

Referee Bjorn Kuipers, who is shortlisted to officiate at World Cup 2014, did not punish Suarez during the game, leaving Uefa able to use retrospective action against him.

However, a statement from the governing body to Associated Press claimed their “disciplinary unit has decided not to open a case”.

Suarez bagged a double during the game with two marvellous free kicks, but was unable to find a third goal during the game.