As we get towards the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Championship is really beginning to get interesting.
At the top the promotion race is getting tighter with every passing week and four teams look set to fight it out for the two automatic promotion places, with four or five others still harbouring hopes of a play-off place.
Down at the bottom Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic look cast adrift but the remaining relegation place could still be between seven or eight clubs.
Teams at both ends of the table look for inspiration at this time in the season and very often the biggest influence can come from the centre of midfield.
A good central midfield pairing is vital for successful teams in the Championship, with games often won and lost dependant on the effectiveness of the midfield.
FLW writer Lee Clarke took a look at FIVE central midfielders from the Sky Bet Championship who Premier League clubs should look to sign next season.....
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS!
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George Thorne
The Derby County midfielder looks seemingly destined to play Premier League football, with or without the Rams.
The 23-year-old has been a key part of the Rams first-team this season and when he has missed games through injury, the team have desperately lacked his influence in midfield.
Thorne offers the Rams some much needed midfield versatility, with the ex-West Bromwich Albion man happy to protect the back four and bomb forward to assist with attacks, when told to do so.
It seems inevitable to many Derby supporters that Thorne is destined for the Premier League and should the Rams fail in their quest for promotion this season, Thorne could be set for a departure.
Adam Clayton
Since signing for Middlesbrough at the start of last season, Clayton has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the club.
He was an integral part of the team’s run to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final during the last campaign.
The Manchester-born 27-year-old was a product of the Manchester City youth academy and since his release he has played for Leeds United and Huddersfield Town.
Clayton’s range of passing is among the best in the division and his ability to play defence splitting passes make him a real threat going forward.
Joey Barton
When controversial midfielder Barton signed for Burnley during the summer transfer window, some people questioned his commitment to playing Championship football.
The form he has displayed this season has contributed to the Clarets sitting pretty at the top of the league and he has been a really shrewd free transfer for Sean Dyche.
Despite an unsavoury incident involving a stamp during Saturday’s draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, Barton has mostly led by example during the current campaign.
A contender for the Player of the Season award, Barton should rightfully take his place back in the Premier League next season.
Barry Bannan
The 26-year-old Scotsman has been a breath of fresh air in the middle of the park for Sheffield Wednesday during the 2015/16 campaign, playing a big part in the Owls’ top six push.
The ex-Crystal Palace man initially only signed for one-year but his performances have been so impressive that the club tied him down to a three-and-a-half year contract, thwarting off Premier League interest.
Wednesday look a good bet to reach the Championship play-offs this season and Bannan’s performances have certainly warranted a place in the Premier League.
The little midfield dynamo is useful on the ball, has an eye for a pass and works hard for the team, making him a big part of the Wednesday setup.
Tom Huddlestone
The Hull City midfielder showed tremendous loyalty to the Tigers when he opted to stay with the club following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
The 29-year-old is strong as an ox on the ball and works box-to-box for his team, making him one of Steve Bruce’s most valuable assets.
Hull are desperate to return to the top flight and with the likes of Huddlestone in their team they will stand a great chance of promotion.
The Nottingham-born midfielder is actually a former England international having earned four caps during 2009.