It’s the fifth biggest league in the world, one of the most competitive and promotion offers the riches of the Premier League – that’s right it is time to take a look at the Championship and how the season has unfolded so far.
Team of the Season
Sunderland
Since their promotion from League One, the Black Cats have steadily built into one of the most competitive teams in the Championship and after a more than impressive start to the season are currently top of the pile with 30 points from 14 games. Roared on by one of the most passionate fanbases in the country and with young starlets Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg performing superbly, this could be the season Sunderland make their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Player of the Season
Borja Sainz (Norwich City)
The Championship’s top scorer with 11 goals in 14 appearances, the Spanish left-winger has taken the division by storm in the early part of the season and has already secured two player of the month awards. With Norwich on the fringes of the play-off positions, the Canaries will be hoping that Borja will maintain his scoring exploits to fire them up the table whilst also potentially fighting off interest from other clubs in the January transfer window.
Surprise of the Season
Millwall
The Lions started the season slowly, only picking up their first win at the end of August against Sheffield Wednesday, however they are currently undefeated in their past 6 league games and have marched into a play-off position with impressive victories against pre-season promotion favorites Burnley and Leeds Utd. No team will relish going to visit The Den and if Millwall can keep their key players such as Duncan Watmore fit, they have a great chance of maintaining their play-off form. With club legend Neil Harris at the helm there will certainly be no shortage of passion!
Biggest Underachievers
Luton Town
After winning the hearts of many with their battling displays in the Premier League, the Hatters led by Rob Edwards were identified as many people’s early promotion favorites. However, a hangover from last season and a poor start to this season currently has Luton languishing in 19th place and only out of the relegation zone on goal difference. With 7 defeats already this season, Luton need to find a way to turn slender defeats into draws and wins to get them moving up the table.
Team to Watch
Norwich City
The Canaries know how to get out of this division and with the talent at their disposal including the divisions top scorer Borja Sainz and top assist makers Josh Sargent and Callum Doyle, plus the experience of Shane Duffy and Grant Hanley, we would not be surprised to see Norwich make a charge up the standings – the key could be turning those close games from draws to victories.
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