The international break provides the perfect opportunity to look back at a blockbuster September in the Sky Bet Championship.
As last month illustrated, trying to predict what will happen in the second tier is near-impossible – you’re better off just sitting back and enjoying the ride.
One thing that is a certainty is quality football and September was no different, with the six standout players earning a place on the shortlist for the FLW Fans’ Player of the Month award.
We’ve broken down the exploits of all six nominees to help you cast your vote.
All stats courtesy of Whoscored.
The Defenders
Nominees: Kyle Bartley, Jordan Zemura
West Bromwich Albion went unbeaten in September, as they kept pace with the sides pushing for automatic promotion, and the presence of Kyle Bartley at the back was vital to that run.
The centre-back was ever-present and marshalled the defensive line, helping them concede just three goals all month and making 25 clearances as they kept two clean sheets, as well as proving an asset in both boxes as he won a mammoth 51 aerial duels.
By taking 13 points from a possible 15, Bournemouth set the pace in the Championship last month and looked to have found their groove under Scott Parker.
Despite all the attacking talent that Parker has available to him, full-back Jordan Zemura is the player that stood out – helping the side to keep three clean sheets while also adding two goals himself as he’s sparkled on the left flank.
The Midfielders
Nominee: Morgan Gibbs-White
After a shaky start to life under Slavisa Jokanovic, Sheffield United found their feet last month thanks in no small part to summer arrival Morgan Gibbs-White.
The midfielder proved the catalyst for their change in fortunes – adding two goals and two assists in his first five appearances for the Blades.
The Forwards
Nominees: Ben Brereton Diaz, Viktor Gyökeres, Aleksandar Mitrovic
It’s been a whirlwind few months for Ben Brereton Diaz, who starred for the Chile national team in the summer after a shock call up and has brought that form back with him to the Championship.
The Blackburn Rovers striker was unstoppable in September – scoring six goals and adding an assist as Tony Mowbray’s side climbed the Championship table.
Coventry City have been the second tier’s surprise package through the first few months of the season and Viktor Gyökeres’ goals have been a key part of why.
The Swedish striker has dazzled since rejoining from Brighton permanently in the summer while last month he scored five goals as well as adding an assist.
Aleksandar Mitrovic knows how to score Championship goals, that much is abundantly clear.
The Serbian striker may have struggled to make an impact in the Premier League but he looked back to his dominant best in the second tier last month as he scored six times and added an assist.