The latest renewal of the English Championship is reaching its thrilling conclusion, but there is still a lot to be decided before the end of the season.
The first thing is the title race. Just one point separates Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Leeds United in the top three spaces, making it tough to predict the Championship promotion odds 2023/24.
Then there is the small matter of the battle for the play-offs and the scrap to avoid relegation, where just eight points split 23rd from 15th in the compact table.
So, while all this unfurls and leaves supporters on the edge of their seats, let’s take a look at some of the players who have lit up the Championship this campaign.
Leif Davis – Ipswich Town
Ipswich signed Leif Davis (pictured above) from Leeds United for roughly £1 million on their quest to gain promotion from League One last season, and the left-back has been a revelation for the Tractor Boys.
The 24-year-old leads the way for assists in the Championship this season, setting 16 goals in 39 appearances at the time of writing, while he has also contributed with two goals.
As a result of his fine performances, Davis has become a hot commodity and is reportedly on the radar of Premier League sides, including Newcastle United.
Adam Armstrong – Southampton
If Southampton manage to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, then they will likely have Adam Armstrong to thank.
The striker didn’t make much of an impression in his two top-flight campaigns with the Saints, scoring just four times in 53 outings, but he has found his feet back in the Championship.
At the time of writing, Armstrong is setting the pace for goal contributions in the second tier, scoring 20 times and registering 11 assists.
Sammie Szmodics – Blackburn Rovers
While Armstrong has the most goal contributions in the league, he trails behind Sammie Szmodics in the race for the Golden Boot.
The Republic of Ireland international managed just five goals in 34 games last season but has shown stark improvement for Blackburn Rovers this campaign.
The 28-year-old boasts 23 goals and four assists in the Championship this year, although Blackburn Rovers are struggling and still in danger of being relegated to League One in the Championship odds.
Morgan Whittaker – Plymouth Argyle
Another £1m diamond, Morgan Whittaker has been a standout performer for Plymouth Argyle and looks set for a big move this summer.
The 23-year-old, who is Argyle’s record signing, has scored 19 times this season and has registered eight assists.
Plymouth are still in danger of relegation, however, and the Green Army will probably be saying goodbye to Whittaker this summer with the likes of Lazio interested in the winger.
—
Leicester City’s Keiran Dewsbury Hall also deserves a mention, as the 25-year-old has racked up 12 goals and 13 assists this season.
Several Leeds players could have made the list, but the one arguably most worth highlighting is Crysencio Summerville.
The 22-year-old has 25 goal contributions at the time of writing, thanks to 17 goals and eight appearances for the Yorkshire side.
