The Championship team of the season so far
By Ross Jackson
Despite the fact it feels like the Championship only kicked off a few weeks ago, we're actually nearing the halfway point in the season, with the table finally beginning to take shape.
Having said that, you could still throw a blanket over most of the league, with most teams still capable of stringing a run of results together and throwing themselves into the promotion mix.
Since we're nearly at the midway stage, we thought we'd take a step back from the world's most frantic league and assess who is worthy of being named in our Championship team of the season so far.
You'll definitely agree with every single one of our picks, we absolutely promise. Well, maybe.
1. Ben Foster (GK)
Even at 37 years of age, many tipped Ben Foster to be snapped up by a Premier League club following Watford's relegation from the top flight.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper was one of the highlights of a miserable season for the Hornets last year, proving he's still got what it takes to cut it at the top level.
However, he stayed with Watford and he's proving himself to be one of best goalkeepers in the league.
Only one team have conceded fewer than Xisco Munoz's side this season and it's largely thanks to the veteran shot-stopper.
2. Anfernee Dijksteel (RB)
In fairness, Anfernee Dijksteel has been playing on the right of a back three at Middlesbrough this season, though he's naturally a right-back so can slot in nicely here.
It would be criminal to leave the former Charlton man out of our XI after his performances so far. Having struggled to adapt to life in the Championship last season, the Boro man has been super this campaign and looks nothing like the player he was under Jonathan Woodgate last campaign.
Neil Warnock strikes again.
3. Ben Cabango (CB)
At just 20 years of age, Ben Cabango is excelling at centre-back for Swansea this season.
The youngster could easily have crumbled under the pressure he was put under at the Swans having been tasked with filling the enormous void left by Joe Rodon and Mike van der Hoorn in the summer.
However, he's proven to have the character to step up for his side in their hour of need and has looked a quality prospect this season, aiding Steve Cooper's side in conceding the fewest goals in the division.
4. Paddy McNair (CB)
Having two Boro players in the backline may seem excessive, but the Teessiders sit in the play-off spots having looked destined for League One last season.
Warnock has completely transformed the club and their success has been built on a quality defensive unit, with Paddy McNair at the centre of it.
The former Sunderland man has been a rock for Middlesbrough this season, using his ability as midfielder to help him carry the ball out of defence and looking defensively astute.
Comfortably one of the best players in the Championship this season.
5. Rico Henry (LB)
Many expected Brentford to struggle this season having come so desperately close to promotion last campaign and seeing a number of their stars depart in the summer.
Thomas Frank's side have looked a little shaky at times, but on the whole they've done well, and Rico Henry has been at the heart of their decent form.
The England Under-20 international was hotly tipped to follow the likes of Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins out of the club in the summer, but he's stayed put and is proving he should be playing at a higher level.
Expect him to be in the Premier League next season - whether it's with Brentford or not.
6. Emiliano Buendia (RM)
Another man who looked to be heading to the Premier League in the summer.
Norwich kept hold of Emiliano Buendia - probably partly thanks to the fact they lost all of their last ten games in the top flight last season and deterred any potential suitors - and they're reaping the rewards.
The Canaries midfielder has six goals and six assists in 16 league games and is driving Daniel Farke's side's push for another promotion.
7. Gustavo Hamer (CDM)
When Coventry stepped up to the Championship in the summer they opted against splashing the cash to aid their survival bid - we say they 'opted' against, they didn't really have much choice.
However, one man they did spend money on was PEC Zwolle's Gustavo Hamer, and they'd clearly done their homework.
The young Dutchman looks an absolute gem, providing energy and touch of class to the Sky Blues' midfield, and if they're to survive the drop he'll be key to their efforts.
8. Nick Powell (AM)
Nick Powell has had something of a turbulent career.
From one of the best play-off goals you're ever likely to see at Wembley for Crewe before signing for Manchester United, to relegation to League One with Wigan - all this and more and he's still just 26.
After numerous loan deals the midfielder looks to have finally settled at Stoke and they're beginning to see the best of him. Powell looks a threat going forward and seems to be recapturing the form which saw him signed by United back in 2012.
9. Michael Olise (LM)
There isn't much that hasn't already been said about this lad.
From the Championship's biggest secret last season to a player who's been courted by some of the Premier League's biggest clubs - the word is well and truly out now.
Olise has four goals and seven assists in his 20 league appearances this season, and with Reading looking well set for a promotion tilt he may well be in the top flight with the Royals next season.
10. Adam Armstrong (ST)
As a striker playing in a Tony Mowbray team you're always going to get chances, especially with the likes of Harvey Elliott threading you through-balls.
But let's stop doing him a disservice and talk about how brilliant he's been. Adam Armstrong started the season on fire, scoring five in his first three games!
His goalscoring hasn't quite continued at that rate since, but it's still been mighty impressive, notching 15 in 19 league appearances.
Blackburn are struggling for consistency this campaign but this man's goals could inspire a play-off push in the second half of the season.
11. Ivan Toney (ST)
One of the reasons Brentford haven't struggled so much without Ollie Watkins is this man.
Ivan Toney has taken to the Championship like a duck to water and sits top of the goalscoring pile on 16.
His movement and work in the channels mean Brentford have barely had to alter their style of play at all since Villa snapped up Watkins in the summer, and he's been a great addition to an already stellar side.