AceShowbiz -

Arctic Monkeys is the predicted frontrunner of 2007 Nationwide Mercury Prize, an award that appreciates best 12 British records in the last 12 months. The only heavy competition running alongside the Sheffield band's "Favourite Worst Nightmare" is Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black".

Of all the 12 nominees, Arctic and Winehouse have been marked by William Hill as favorites to claim the prize, with odds of 4/1. Arctic was last year's winner through "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not" and if they are to win again this year then the band would be the first act to win the prize two times in a row.

Another former winner, Dizzee Rascal, is also within the list with album "Maths + English" but his chance of winning is only predicted to be 8/1. Other nominees include The View, with "Hats off to the Buskers", Klaxons, for "Myths of the Near Future" and Jamie T's "Panic Prevention".

The winner will be decided on September 4 in London by a panel chaired by Simon Firth. He said, "This year's Nationwide Mercury Prize shortlist marks the emergence of a wealth of eclectic talent making music with great energy, excitement and personality."

Nationwide Mercury Prize has previously been won by acts like Franz Ferdinand and Primal Scream. It continually grows bigger influence in British music industry by boosting record sales for its nominees.

Complete Nominees of 2007 Nationwide Mercury Prize:

• Bat for Lashes - 'Fur and Gold'
• Maps - 'We Can Create'
• Fionn Regan - 'The End of History'
• The View - 'Hats Off to the Buskers'
• New Young Pony Club - 'Fantastic Playroom'
• Dizzee Rascal - 'Maths + English'
• Klaxons - 'Myths of the Near Future'
• Amy Winehouse - 'Back to Black'
• The Young Knives - 'Voices of Animals and Men'
• Jamie T - 'Panic Prevention'
• Arctic Monkeys - 'Favourite Worst Nightmare'
• Basquiat Strings - 'Basquiat Strings with Seb Rochford'