Championship fans pick their Teams of the Season

We asked 24 Championship fans to tell us who makes their Team of the Season so far...

By Billy Grant, Beesotted Fanzine and Podcast @BillyTheBee99

Fans from all 24 Championship clubs pick their combined Team of the Season so far.

Barnsley

Carlo van de Watering, @RedsReport_

Christian Walton (Blackburn); Matty Cash (Forest), Tim Ream (Fulham). Ben White (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Romaine Sawyers (West Brom), Tom Cairney (Fulham), Niclas Eliasson (Bristol City); Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Christian Walton - Not the main pick for many people but Walton has had a number of decent performances in an average team.

Star player: Ollie Watkins - He is the best talent in the Championship.

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Manager: Slaven Bilic - A no-nonsense type and a great man-manager.

Birmingham City

Micky Singh, Blues 4 all

Also See:

Marek Rodak (Fulham); Matty Cash (Forest), Ben White (Leeds), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Kristian Pedersen (Birmingham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Romaine Sawyers (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Jarrod Bowen (Hull), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Kristian Pedersen - The powerhouse Pedersen has only got better and held his own against the best right wingers in the league.

Star player: Aleksandar Mitrovic - Single-handedly kept Fulham in the hunt for promotion with his goals.

Manager: Alex Neil - Has done brilliantly to get Preston into a play-off place with a very modest transfer budget.

At home with... Championship stars

Sky Sports joins some of the biggest names in the Championship at home... including Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

Blackburn Rovers

Daniel Griffiths, Talk Blackburn

David Raya (Brentford); Matty Cash (Forest), Tosin Adarabioyo (Blackburn), Ben White (Leeds), Rico Henry (Brentford); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Bradley Dack (Blackburn), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Adam Armstrong (Blackburn); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Adam Armstrong - He has really stepped up this season for Blackburn. If you need a goal, he'll be the one to get it.

Star player: Kalvin Phillips - He has really stood out this season with his all-round play.

Manager: Slaven Bilic - Tactically-minded manager. Can change any game to go his way.

Brentford

Ollie Watkins' top five goals of the season for Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship.

Billy Grant, Beesotted Blog and Podcast

Brice Samba (Forest); Luke Ayling (Leeds), Pontus Jansson (Brentford), Ethan Pinnock (Brentford), Kristian Pedersen (Birmingham); Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Aleksandr Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Ethan Pinnock - Has stepped up massively after a shaky start to the season. Reliable. Good in the air. Great on the ball. Formed a solid partnership with Jansson.

Star player: Ollie Watkins - The best striker in the Championship.

Manager: Slaven Bilic - Managing an expensively assembled Championship team on big wages can actually be a poisoned chalice. Bilic has stepped up to the plate.

Bristol City

Rob, #SouthBristol

Daniel Bentley (Bristol City); Luke Ayling (Leeds), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Liam Cooper (Leeds), Antonee Robinson (Wigan); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Ovie Ejaria (Reading), Eberechi Eze (QPR); Said Benrahma (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Antonee Robinson - I like this guy. And based on natural attributes and potential, he should be the best left-back in the division. He breaks up play and counter attacks at speed. He can do it all.

Star player: Ebere Eze - No disrespect to QPR but in an average team, every time I see this guy he stands out a mile. As an attacker, he can do it all.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - A tactical genius. He has made Leeds' 11 men play together as a team.

Cardiff City

Tomas Taylor, Sport Addict Corner

Brice Samba (Forest); Matt Cash (Forest), Ben White (Leeds), Luke Ayling (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Jed Wallace (Millwall); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Jed Wallace - Maybe not everyone's first choice but I couldn't leave him out. Millwall's star player this season and a key reason as to why they're chasing and a play-off place.

Star player: Eberechi Eze - The Championship's best player this season. Aside from his goals and assists, his general creativity, skill and footballing ability have been second-to-none.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - The Championship's best manager over the last two seasons. A world-class coach and one of the top 10 best managers in the world.

Charlton Athletic

Martin Adkins, @se7pod

Dillon Phillips (Charlton); Luke Ayling (Leeds), Patrick Bauer (Preston), Ben White (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Jed Wallace (Millwall), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Grady Diangana (WBA); Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Dillon Phillips - Has been exceptional for Charlton this season. Without him we would be bottom. Simple as that.

Star man: Kalvin Phillips - The heartbeat of the Leeds side. Has been exceptional all season. Far too good for this league.

Manager: Slaven Bilic - Has really bounced back and got West Brom hard to beat playing good football. They deserve to go up with Leeds.

Derby County

Jay Mann, Punjabi Rams

Marek Rodak (Fulham); Matty Cash (Forest), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Ben White (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Eberechi Eze (QPR), Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Wayne Rooney (Derby), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Wayne Rooney - An experienced quality midfield general who you would want beside you in battle.

Star player: Ollie Watkins - A proven goalscorer who makes it his mission to provide more than just goals.

Manager: Slaven Bilic - The football West Brom are playing shows why he has managed at the highest level.

Fulham

We've picked out Aleksandar Mitrovic's top five goals of the season for Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship so far.

Farrell Monk, Fuhamish Podcast

Marek Rodak (Fulham); Matty Cash (Forest), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Kyle Bartley (West Brom), Conor Townsend (West Brom); Niclas Eliasson (Bristol City), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Conor Townsend - Won that left-back slot for the Baggies. No sign of surrendering it with a series of strong performances.

Star player: Aleksandar Mitrovic - Without a shadow of a doubt, with him in your team you are always going to be competitive.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - Frequently teams have faltered after play-off heartbreak. Bielsa would never let that happen. Has made Leeds even better this year.

Championship awards of the season so far

Sky Sports pundits pick out their Players, Managers and Teams of the Season.

Huddersfield Town

Richard Kosmala, Takes That Chance Podcast

Dillon Phillips (Charlton); Matty Cash (Forest), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Ben White (Leeds), Kristian Pedersen (Birmingham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Niclas Eliasson (Bristol City); Aleksander Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Shaun Hutchinson - Leadership. Vital goals. Has given Millwall a chance of gatecrashing the top six.

Star player: Aleksander Mitrovic - A bully. Scores goals from all positions. I think he is in the wrong division and certainly won't be in this one next season.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - A maverick. The way he has re-galvanised everyone in LS11 after last season is there for all to see.

Hull City

Bobbi Hadgraft, @bobbihadg

Brice Samba (Forest); Matty Cash (Forest), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Ryan Manning (QPR); Jarrod Bowen (Hull), John Swift (Reading) Eberechi Eze (QPR), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Ryan Manning - Triumphant in his new position at left back and has proved himself as an ever-improving player for QPR.

Star player: Said Benrahma - He's made the league look a walk in the park. A game-changer for Brentford and a valuable team player.

Manager: Slaven Bilic - Recently re-established form with the Baggies after a troublesome spell. A credit to his patience, resilience and great leadership.

Leeds United

We take a look at Leeds' top five goals of the season in the Sky Bet Championship so far.

Joe Wainman, All Leeds TV

Brice Samba (Forest); Matty Cash (Forest), Luke Ayling (Leeds), Ben White (Leeds), Stuart Dallas (Leeds); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), John Swift (Reading), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Stuart Dallas - Mr Reliable. Can play anywhere. Has been fantastic this season and has to make my XI.

Star player: Kalvin Phillips - Leeds born and bred. The Championship's hottest property. Will play for England very soon.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - A no brainer. We should all feel privileged to watch his football style at this level.

Luton Town

Lewis Williams, We are Luton Town

Marek Rodak (Fulham); Matty Cash (Forest), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Ben White (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Jed Wallace (Millwall), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Shaun Hutchinson - A solid defender whose performances has been vital to Millwall's climb up the league.

Star player: Eberechi Eze - An exciting young talent who has helped QPR going forward this season.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - Simply the best manager in the Championship this season.

EFL Future stars

Sky Sports assess some of the future stars of English football currently playing in the EFL...

Middlesbrough

Andy Roberts, Smoggy Scholars Podcast

David Raya (Brentford); Luke Ayling (Leeds), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Stuart Dallas (Leeds); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: David Raya - A solid and reliable keeper breeding confidence from the back for Brentford.

Star player: Said Benrahma - The X Factor in the Championship. A handful for any defence.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - Cunning, wise, and humble, has built on last season to take Leeds to the brink.

Millwall

Ryan Loftus, Achtung! Millwall Podcast

Bartosz Bialkowski (Millwall); Matty Cash (Forest), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Ben White (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Jed Wallace (Millwall), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Bartosz Bialkowski - An unbelievable shot stopper, pulling off a string of wonder-saves throughout the season.

Star player: Ollie Watkins - Has been so important to Brentford, replacing Neal Maupay. He improves and adapts every year.

Manager: Alex Neil - Has done an amazing job on tiny budget at Preston. Knows how to get the best out of a squad.

Nottingham Forest

The top five goals of Nottingham Forest's season so far in the Sky Bet Championship.

Scott Eley, Munich and Madrid

Brice Samba (Nottingham Forest); Luke Ayling (Leeds), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Ben White (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Said Benrahma (Brentford), Eberechi Eze (QPR); Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Shaun Hutchinson - A no-frills defender who has impressed with his no-nonsense defending and leadership.

Star player: Kalvin Phillips - Head and shoulders above any other midfielder in the league. Leads Bielsa's team into battle with his dynamic performances.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - A manager that won't compromise on anything other than a high tempo, high press and attacking football.

Preston North End

Ben HD, PNE Vlogger

Brice Samba (Forest); Matty Cash (Forest), Ben White (Leeds), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Kristian Pedersen (Birmingham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Kristian Pedersen - Vastly underrated. He barely puts a foot wrong.

Star player: Matheus Pereira - I think he'll take the Premier League by storm. His quality is undeniable.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - The football he's got Leeds playing is a sight to behold at times.

Queens Park Rangers

Sky Sports assess QPR's Ebere Eze and explain why he is set to be a star of the future in English football.

Gobi Ranganathan, @Gobi_r

Christian Walton (Blackburn Rovers); Matty Cash (Nottingham Forest), Luke Ayling (Leeds), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Kristian Pedersen (Birmingham City); Jarrod Bowen (Hull City), Matheus Pereira (WBA), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Jed Wallace (Millwall); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Christian Walton - A young, reliable, steady goalkeeper who has been ever-present in the Rovers line up. Consistent with his good performances too.

Star player: Eberechi Eze - Has it all. Pace. Quick feet. Unbelievable technique, and a great finish too. Can unlock defences in the blink of an eye.

Manager: Mark Warburton - Has done well on a small budget.

Reading

Becka Ellen, @thetilehurstend

Brice Samba (Forest); Matty Cash (Forest), Pontus Jansson (Brentford), Ben White (Leeds), Stuart Dallas (Leeds); Eberechi Eze (QPR), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Ovie Ejaria (Reading), Ivan Cavaleiro (Fulham); Aleksander Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Ovie Ejaria - Skilful player who lights up the Reading midfield. Has had his best games when played centrally.

Star player: Aleksandar Mitrovic - With a deadly eye for goal, he's full of vital goals for Fulham.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa - Tactical mastermind who has instilled a hardworking, winning mentality into Leeds United.

Sheffield Wednesday

Natalie Dean, @Natld182

Brice Samba (Forest); Matty Cash (Forest), Ben White (Leeds), Tim Ream (Fulham), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Tim Ream - Best passing centre-back in the league. Unbelievable distribution of the ball. The reliable anchor in the Fulham defence.

Star player: Ollie Watkins - A natural goalscorer. Has lit up the league this season and led the line for promotion-chasing Brentford excellently. Destined for the Premier League in the near future.

Manager: Thomas Frank - Overcome early doubts after losing top scorer Neil Maupay, has guided Brentford to the play-off positions, playing many teams off the park with aesthetically pleasing football that's a joy to watch.

Stoke City

Ben Rowley, The YYY-Files

Brice Samba (Forest); Matty Cash (Forest), Shaun Hutchinson (Millwall), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Jed Wallace (Millwall), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Eberechi Eze (QPR), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Jed Wallace - The vital cog in the Millwall side, providing an attacking threat.

Star player: Eberechi Eze - The type of player you love to watch. Has become a talisman for QPR.

Manager: Michael O'Neill - Stoke would be relegated without him. He's coached the league's greatest turnaround this year.

Swansea City

Thomas Morgan, Total Swans TV

Brice Samba (Nottingham Forest); Matty Cash (Forest), Ben White (Leeds), Joe Rodon (Swansea), Kristian Pedersen (Birmingham); Matheus Perreira (West Brom), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Matt Grimes (Swansea), Said Benrahma (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Brentford), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Surprise pick: Joe Rodon - Has made some crucial last minute challenges rescuing vital points for Swansea. Future club and international captain.

Star player: Ollie Watkins - He's one of the main reasons Brentford have scored so many goals. If they don't go up he certainly will.

Manager: Steve Cooper - Overachieving with a team of youngsters in his first full managerial job. Deserves a lot more credit than he gets.

West Bromwich Albion

Watch the top 5 goals of West Brom's season so far in the Sky Bet Championship.

Rob Paddock, @RobPaddockWBA

Bartosz Bialkowski (Millwall); Matty Cash (Forest), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Ben White (Leeds), Joe Bryan (Fulham); Matheus Pereira (West Brom), Jude Bellingham (Birmingham), Jake Livermore (West Brom), Eberechi Eze (QPR); Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Jude Bellingham - An unbelievable young talent.

Star player: Matheus Pereira - Simply remarkable. Insanely talented.

Manager: Slaven Bilic - Has made an average side one of the in-form sides in the country.

Wigan Athletic

Adam Pendlebury, @PWUPodcast

Bartosz Bialkowski (Millwall); Jayden Bogle (Derby), Jo Worrall (Forest), Liam Cooper (Leeds), Antonee Robinson (Wigan); Said Benrahma (Brentford), Ben Pearson (Preston), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Matheus Pereira (West Brom); Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Surprise pick: Ben Pearson - A great combative midfielder who rarely gives the ball away for Preston.

Star player: Kalvin Phillips - It's testament to how good Phillips is that Leeds' performances drop down a level when he's not playing. Should be playing at a higher level.

Manager: Slaven Bilic - Has produced a well-organised team who are exciting to watch.

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