Football is currently suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak but we are likely to see a thrilling end to the season if and when the Championship does reconvene.
With just nine games remaining, you can make a case that 13 teams still have a realistic chance of winning promotion. While the race at the bottom is just intense, with Luton Town among eight sides still battling to avoid the drop.
There may still be plenty of football to be played. But with nobody yet sure in what format the game will return, writers across the division have given their thoughts on who should make the Championship Team of the Season.
The only rule was that they could pick a maximum of two players from the clubs they cover. Here is the final team based on the votes of the 15 who took part. You can also read all the writer’s picks, including the league team of the year selected by our man James Cunliffe.
Goalkeeper Brice Samba (Nottingham Forest)
The goalkeeping position turned out to be a fiercely competitive category with nine different shot-stoppers receiving a nomination. But it was Forest’s Samba who came out on top with four votes just ahead of Fulham’s Marek Rodak and Bristol City’s Daniel Bentley. Samba didn’t start the campaign as No.1 at the City Ground. But forced his way in and his since proved a commanding figure between the posts.
Right-Back Luke Ayling (Leeds)
Ayling narrowly pipped Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash by eight votes to seven – with the pair dominating this poll. Incredibly, Blackburn’s Ryan Nyambe was the only other defender to receive a nomination, with Ayling and Cash comfortably viewed as the best two right-backs by Championship writers. Hugely influential for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, Ayling has scored four goals and registered four assists for Leeds this season.
Centre-back Ben White (Leeds)
The overwhelming winner in the centre-back category, White received a huge 10 votes for his staring displays at the heart of Leeds’ defence.
On loan from Brighton, the 22-year-old has been integral to Bielsa’s team registering 17 clean sheets – the best in the division.
A ball-playing defender who is excellent technically, White is also strong in the tackle and has drawn comparisons to Rio Ferdinand and John Stones.
Centre-back Semi Ajayi (Albion)
Snapped up for £1.5million from Rotherham, Ajayi has proven to be one of the bargains of the season. His ability to read the game – together with his pace and strength – allow Albion to play with a high defensive line which has been integral to their success. In total, 11 different centre-backs received nominations, with Ajayi earning four votes. Preston North End’s Patrick Bauer and Millwall’s Shaun Hutchinson tied in third with three.
Left-back – Joe Bryan (Fulham)
There were only two left-backs who received more than one vote with Fulham’s Joe Bryan (six) triumphing over Blues’ Kristian Pedersen (three).
Just like Luke Ayling at Leeds, Bryan is another attacking full-back.
The 26-year-old has registered seven assists and scored once in 35 outings this campaign. He has also helped Fulham register 13 clean sheets, the second-highest in the division.
Right-midfield – Matheus Pereira (Albion)
Hailed by Albion and fans – and a number of pundits too – as the best player in the division, Pereira has been a revelation since joining the Baggies on loan from Sporting Lisbon and received 11 votes from Championship writers.
Able to play as a number 10 or on the right, he has a wonderful eye for a pass, outstanding close control and is also deadly from set-plays.
In total, the Brazilian has registered 16 assists and scored six goals this season and is a major reason why Albion have been in the race for automatic promotion throughout.
Central midfield – Eberechi Eze (Queens Park Rangers)
Surely a Premier League player in the making, Eze has shown his quality, strength and technical ability all term.
Able to play in central midfield and as a number 10, Eze enjoyed a decent breakthrough season last year. But the 2019/20 campaign has seen the 21-year-old raise his standards to a whole new level. His 12 goals and eight assists saw him win nine votes here.
Central-midfield – Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
The 24-year-old has been an absolute rock in central midfield this season and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the division – so much so he was watched by England boss Gareth Southgate back in January.
It’s hard to spot a weakness in Phillips’ game with the Yorkshireman a good tackler, strong in the air but also a fine passer of the ball. His energy is also integral to Leeds’ style of play.
Romaine Sawyers finished third in the central midfield vote with three nominations but he was well behind Eze (nine) and Phillips (seven).
Left midfield – Saïd Benrahma (Brentford)
Able to play on the right or left, Benrahama received the joint-most votes in this poll with 12 Championship writers picking him in their team.
Arguably the main man in a Brentford team that plays some outstanding football, he has scored 10 goals and registered eight assists in 34 outings.
Benrahma is another player who more than looks ready for the Premier League.
Striker – Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)
The Serbian – along with Benrahma – received the most votes in this poll with 12 nominations. And it’s hard to see how anyone could leave with him out having scored a staggering 31 goals in 39 games this term. Fulham may have paid £22million to sign him in 2018, but there surely isn’t a better striker in the division.
Ollie Watkins (Brentford)
Hot on the heels of Mitrovic, Watkins received 10 votes from the 15 Championship writers. The hitman has found the back of the net 22 times and has proved he is just as comfortable scoring with his head as he is with his feet. Interestingly, only other centre-forward received a nomination – with Wayne Rooney completing a very short, shortlist.
