EPL Showdown: Bruno, Elanga or Rice? March 2025 Player of the Month Battle
 EPL Showdown: Bruno, Elanga or Rice? March 2025 Player of the Month Battle
March 2025 POTM Nominees: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton). Voting open until March 31.
The Contenders: March Performances Analyzed
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde 
The French midfielder has been Wolves’ creative spark in their relegation battle:
- 3 assists in 2 matches (vs Everton & Southampton)
- Created 7 chances (most among nominees)
- 88% pass accuracy in final third
His vision and flair in tight spaces have turned Wolves’ season around, though their 15th place position may hurt his chances.
Anthony Elanga 
Forest’s Swedish speedster is having a breakout season:
- 2 goals in 4-2 win vs Ipswich
- Winning goal in 1-0 upset over Man City
- 5 goals/8 assists this season
Elanga’s counter-attacking threat has propelled Forest’s surprise top-four challenge. His big-game impact makes him a dark horse.
Bruno Fernandes 
United’s captain has rediscovered his best form under new manager Ruben Amorim:
- 4 goal involvements (2 goals, 2 assists)
- Stunning free kick vs Arsenal
- Man of Match in 3-0 win vs Leicester
Fernandes’ leadership and versatility have steadied United’s ship as they push for Europe. His highlight-reel moments grab attention.
Nikola Milenkovic
The Serbian defender has been immense at both ends:
- 1 goal & 1 assist vs Ipswich
- Clean sheet in 1-0 win over Man City
- 87% duel success rate
Milenkovic’s rare combination of defensive solidity and attacking contribution has been key to Forest’s perfect March.
Declan Rice 
Arsenal’s midfield general continues to deliver:
- Crucial goal in 1-1 draw at Old Trafford
- Game-saving block vs Rasmus Hojlund
- Dominant in 2-1 win over Chelsea
Rice’s ability to impact big games keeps Arsenal’s title hopes alive. His all-action displays make him a strong candidate.
Jan Paul van Hecke 
Brighton’s Dutch defender is having a career-best season:
- Key goal in 2-1 comeback vs Fulham
- Solid in 2-2 draw at Man City
- 5-match unbeaten run
While less flashy than other nominees, van Hecke’s consistency has been vital to Brighton’s European push.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Player | Goals | Assists | Team Results | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | 2 | 2 | 1W 1D | Free kick vs ARS, 2G/A vs LEI |
| Anthony Elanga | 2 | 0 | 2W | Winner vs MCI, brace vs IPS |
| Declan Rice | 1 | 0 | 1W 1D | Goal at MUN, Chelsea masterclass |
| Others | 1-2 | 1-3 | Mixed | Notable but less impactful |
Who Will Win? Our Prediction
This month’s race comes down to three key factors:
- Statistical impact (Bruno leads with 4 goal contributions)
- Team performance (Elanga’s Forest had perfect month)
- Highlight moments (Rice & Bruno had iconic plays)
While Elanga’s form and Rice’s consistency make strong cases, Bruno Fernandes is our predicted winner due to:
- Most direct goal involvements
- Captaining United’s resurgence
- POTM-voting history favoring attacking players
- Likely fan vote advantage (United’s global support)
That said, Elanga could surprise if voters reward Forest’s underdog story. Cast your vote at premierleague.com before March 31!
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