Our west London Championship team of the week
It was a miserable weekend for our three Championship clubs, who all lost.
QPR and Fulham were beaten at Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa respectively, while Brentford lost to Barnsley – their first home defeat of the season.
The teams fared better earlier in the week. Rangers deserved their 1-0 win at home to Bristol City, while Brentford secured a goalless draw at Derby and Fulham came back from two down to draw 2-2 against Norwich.
Based on all that, here’s our choice for team of the week.
Alex Smithies (QPR)
Continues to be a key player for Rangers. Produced a crucial save against Bristol City shortly before the all-important opening goal.
Maxime Colin (Brentford)
Solid in the Bees’ goalless draw at Derby and had a reasonable game against Barnsley.
Steven Caulker (QPR)
His form has improved since a dip after an impressive start to the campaign. An important presence in the air for Rangers in both penalty areas.
Michael Madl (Fulham)
Fulham were poor at Villa but Madl’s return to the heart of the defence was a welcome – and surely overdue – one. The Whites look much better with him in the side.
Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)
Brought in for the Villa game in place of Scott Malone, Sessegnon was given problems but for a 16-year-old it was a more than credible display. He has so much potential.
Tjaronn Chery (QPR)
Rangers’ talisman earlier in the season, Chery has been short of his best. Even so, he has remained influential; the Dutchman was involved in the build up to the winner against Bristol City, had an injury-time effort cleared off the line at Wednesday and tested both teams with set-pieces and various attempts on goal.
Ariel Borysiuk (QPR)
Excellent in midweek, the Pole wasn’t quite as impressive at Hillsborough but has clearly improved Rangers’ midfield.
Massimo Luongo (QPR)
His excellent cross for Idrissa Sylla’s winner against Bristol City was the highlight of another outstanding display. Has been in superb form.
Sam Saunders (Brentford)
His week ended in disappointment when he was substituted at half-time against Barnsley, but Saunders is included here for an impressive 72 minutes on his recall to the Bees side at Derby. He did well.
Conor Washington (QPR)
Still enduring a frustrating goal drought, but Washington, mostly operating from the left, has produced two hardworking displays this week. He was involved in much of Rangers’ best work against City.
Idrissa Sylla (QPR)
Scored Rangers’ winner in midweek – his third goal since arriving from Anderlecht – and tried to make things happen at Wednesday. Looks a decent signing.
