Arteta's Arsenal sit two points clear with two games remaining, having led from the front for most of the campaign. His achievement is made notable by the fact that he has continued to build rather than simply inherit — his squad has been reshaped significantly over three seasons, and this year's title push comes without the top-four caveats of previous campaigns.
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola is also nominated, seeking a sixth Manager of the Season award — second only to Sir Alex Ferguson's ten. City have mounted a genuine title challenge throughout, winning the February and April Manager of the Month awards, and currently sit two points behind Arsenal ahead of the final weekend.
The most debated inclusion is Michael Carrick. The 44-year-old took over at Manchester United in January, inheriting a side sixth in the table, and has won ten of 15 league games to lift them to third and secure Champions League qualification. No other side has accumulated more Premier League points since he arrived. The nomination has drawn criticism from some supporters and pundits who question whether a four-month caretaker run qualifies, and Carrick has not yet been confirmed as permanent manager.
Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola completes the top-end trio of favourites. The Spaniard, who has announced he will leave at the end of the season, guided the Cherries to potential European qualification for the first time in their history despite selling key players including Antoine Semenyo mid-season. He has also developed Junior Kroupi into the second-highest scoring teenager in Europe's top five leagues.
Keith Andrews at Brentford has been one of the stories of the season. Taking over from Thomas Frank with no prior senior managerial experience, he lost Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and captain Christian Nørgaard before a ball was kicked — yet Brentford sit eighth and within touching distance of the European places. His first act as manager was overseeing a 2-0 win over City.
Regis Le Bris rounds out the shortlist. In his second season at Sunderland, Le Bris has guided the newly promoted side to potential top-half safety, beating Newcastle home and away along the way.
Voting closes at 12:00 BST on Monday 18 May, with a public poll combined with an expert panel to decide the winner.