The SkyBet Championship is becoming a more and more competitive league as every season goes by. The transfer records are getting smashed and higher profile players are now playing in England’s second division.
The three relegated sides in Swansea City, Stoke City and West Brom are all major clubs who have very talented squads. They are joining clubs like Aston Villa, Middlesborough and Leeds United to make it one of the most exciting seasons yet.
With this in mind and with the transfer window still open, here is a prediction at who will feature the SkyBet Championship Team of the Season for 2018/19:
We have gone for a classic 4-4-2 formation, something any old-time football fan would be proud to see.
GK – Darren Randolph (Middlesborough)
A quality goalkeeper who has proved himself time and again. The Irish international is a natural leader and will be hoping for promotion this season with Middlesbrough. He has a strong defence in front of him and should be able to keep a fair few clean sheets through the season.
RB – Henrik Dalsgaard (Brentford)
The 28-year-old Dane is an abrasive, no nonsense defender. He is very strong in the air and made that position his in Brentford’s squad. He will be a nightmare for all of the left-wingers he faces this season.
CB – Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom)
A brick wall at the back. Hegazi’s future seems to be with West Brom, for now. He really commanded the West Brom defence for the latter stages of their Premier League campaign and is comfortable on the ball. I wish luck to any striker in an aerial battle with him.
CB – Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)
From England cap to the Championship, it hasn’t been a great few years for the towering centre-back. He has lost an inch of pace but gained miles of experience that could help him become this season’s ‘John Terry’ of the league. Stoke will be looking to him for much of the season.
LB – Joe Bryan (Bristol City)
Bryan is a versatile left-back who loves to attack when possible. He has a sweet left-foot that did see him rack up five goals and three assists last season. He will be an integral part of Bristol’s plans for next season.
RM – Luciano Narsingh (Swansea City)
Bags of potential that we are yet to see in a Swansea shirt. Narsingh has been impactful in spells at Swansea however as struggled for game time. New manager Graham Potter could have a gem on his hands with the Dutchman’s frightening pace and eye for goal.
CM – Joe Allen (Stoke City)
He is the first name on the team sheet with this squad. After he pledged his foreseeable future to the Potters, opposing midfielders will be worrying about having to mark the little Welshman who can set the pace for his team and really control matches.
CM – Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa)
The Irish workhorse has a summer of uncertainty surrounding his future however seems destined to remain in the Championship. He has scored 12 goals since joining Aston Villa and is an all-rounded central player who can do it all.
LM – Fernando Forestieri (Sheffield Wednesday)
A burnt-out star that is going to shine again. Injury last season saw the Argentina side-lined for months as he watched his side slip down the table in a mediocre campaign. Forestieri has that moment of magic up his sleeve and can dazzle defenders and crowds. I would expect goals and assists from him this season.
ST – Matej Vydra (Derby County)
Another player whose future is uncertain however could remain in the league for another season. The 26-year-old Czech attacker had a fantastic season with the Rams, scoring 22 goals in all appearances and leading from the front. Although clubs are eyeing him up, he could be staying for one more season under Frank Lampard’s supervision.
ST – Benik Afobe (Stoke City)
The Stoke City striker has had an odd summer so far, to say the least. He was transferred to Wolves in the Premier League, only to be sold 12 days later to Stoke City. Despite this rather peculiar saga, he is set for the new season and defences will be scared. He has a natural eye for goal and is definitely front runner for the golden boot.
