Who gets in our Championship Team of the Year?
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We look back over the standout performers of the season
We could see plenty of twists and turns in the last round of Championship fixtures on Wednesday night, with promotion, play-off spots and relegation still to be settled.
One of West Bromwich Albion, Brentford or Fulham will join Leeds United in going straight up. Two of those sides, along with two from Nottingham Forest, Cardiff City and Swansea City, will head to the play-offs. And all three relegation spots are mathematically still available.
Before a huge night of football, we’ve looked back over the season to date to select our Championship Team of the Year:
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Brentford have only conceded 36 goals this season and David Raya has played a huge role between the posts.
Last week’s game against Preston North End highlighted his importance, as he made several great saves to secure a 1-0 win. With the Bees 4/5 to secure promotion, that performance could prove to be crucial.
Right-back: Matty Cash
After injuries to Tendayi Darikwa and Carl Jenkinson, Nottingham Forest could have had a real problem at right-back. But Sabri Lamouchi may have had a masterstroke in converting Matty Cash from a winger to a defender.
As you’d expect, Cash is a threat going forward, but he puts in a real defensive shift too. Forest are 11/2 to go up and Cash could potentially have a big role in the play-offs.
Centre-back: Ben White
Ben White has starred in central defence for Leeds this season – not missing a single minute of league football.
The composed defender has been crucial to their success and he may be hard to replace if a permanent deal can’t be done – he’s only on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Centre-back: Semi Ajayi
Semi Ajayi has impressed at both ends of the pitch since joining West Brom from Rotherham last year.
The 25-year-old’s ability in the air and commanding presence has helped to keep things tight at the back. And he’s chipped in with five goals too.
Left-back: Rico Henry
Whether Brentford line up with a back four or a back three, you can expect Rico Henry to be racing up and down the left flank.
He’s the ideal modern full-back – plenty of energy, tidy on the ball and alert defensively. His overlapping runs help to open up room for Said Benrahma to exploit too.
Central midfield: Kalvin Phillips
It’s no surprise to see a Leeds midfielder in our selection, with Kalvin Phillips one of the standout performers for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
He’s always alive to danger and once he’s won the ball, he’s able to use it smartly.
Central midfield: Matheus Pereira
West Brom may well have pulled off the signing of the season when they brought in Matheus Pereira on loan from Sporting. The playmaker has orchestrated their attacking play this season, registering a league-high 16 assists.
He often looks a cut above the other players on the pitch and the Baggies will be very pleased to have secured his signature permanently.
Central midfield: Eberechi Eze
Pablo Hernandez can count himself unlucky to miss out here, but we’ve gone for Eberechi Eze in the third midfield spot. He’s started all 45 league games this season and his touch, skill and eye for goal mark him out as a special talent.
He’s scored 13 goals and laid on eight more for his teammates this season. It’s no surprise that West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly watching the QPR star closely.
Right wing: Said Benrahma
Brentford’s Said Benrahma has been tormenting full-backs throughout the campaign, scoring 17 goals and chipping in with nine assists.
The Algeria international looks like he has the quality for the Premier League and Brentford will face a fight to keep him this summer, even if he helps them seal promotion.
Left wing: Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has been a revelation up front for Brentford this year, filling the void left by Neal Maupay. But as well as he’s done as a central striker, his versatility means we’re selecting him in his former position out wide to make room for others.
He’s always been a threat in the final third, but he’s sharpened his goalscoring instincts this term to net 25 goals. Watkins is reported to have an £18m release clause, which means there’s sure to be plenty of interest in him this summer.
Striker: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Sitting just ahead of Watkins in the race for the Golden Boot is Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, who’s bagged 26 goals.
When he’s on it, his power and aerial prowess make him a handful for any defence – even in a struggling side, he scored 11 top-flight goals last term. Can he help Fulham win promotion again? The West London side are 9/4 to go up.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.
