Newcastle United and Derby County are enduring mixed fortunes when it comes their form in the Championship this season.
The Toon Army top the table after a summer of heavy recruitment, while the Rams have already parted company with one manager in Nigel Pearson, and replaced him with former gaffer Steve McClaren.
Derby find themselves firmly in the bottom half of the table. However, a good run of results could change that, and McClaren seems to be slowly getting things together at the Ipro.
Newcastle look like they are going to take some stopping. Rafa Benitez seems to have found a formula to get them to win games and win them comfortably, and many feel they are just playing for one automatic place now.
In this article, we take a look at an XI combined of the best players from both Newcastle and Derby...
GK - Scott Carson
This one was a tricky one, as both Carson and new Newcastle keeper Mats Selz are hardly loved by their home fans.
However I have plumped for Carson. I think he gets a rough ride from some people, and is actually a pretty decent goalkeeper.
The former England man has had an up and down sort of career, and his mistakes seem to have been highlighted. However he has played for some top teams, and maintains a place in the Rams side on a consistent basis.
RB - Cyrus Christie
The Irish right back has just suffered a bad injury set back, however, he is still one of the most consistent performers in the league defensively.
Christie is a threat going forward and can offer solidity defensively.
Had Daryl Janmaat not moved on from Newcastle in the summer, he would have been my pick, but Christie makes this eleven based on his consistency over the past few seasons.
CB - Jamal Lascelles
A bit of a no brainer really. Lascelles has been superb for the Toon since their relegation last term, and continues to be a real leader for the club.
Lascelles has developed into one of the leading defensive players in the whole of the league.
He will be a key man for Newcastle if they are to continue on their march to the Championship title.
CB - Ciaran Clark
I am not overly sold on either Derby centre half, so Ciaran Clark makes it into this team for me.
Clark has been forming a decent partnership with Lascelles for the Toon, and his ability to slot in at left back too makes him an excellent squad member.
Signed from Villa in the summer, Clark is proving to be an excellent acquisition, and should be able to make the transition back into the Premier League with ease too.
LB - Max Lowe
This might come as a surprise to some, but I firmly believe Max Lowe will be a star of the future.
Loved already by Derby fans already, Lowe makes this team as I much prefer his talent to that of Paul Dummett and Martin Olsson.
Craig Forsyth is a top player, but has struggled and continues to struggle with injury. Lowe therefore gets my nod.
CM - Jonjo Shelvey
The England international is far too good for the Championship really, but he has still had to knuckle down and work hard, and he has done that very well so far.
Shelvey sets the benchmark in the middle of the park for the Championship really, with his range of passing one of the best around.
An England call up could well be on the cards again should he continue his good form.
CM - Will Hughes
Another top young talent, Will Hughes is nailed on for this team really.
The England under 21 star is one of the best players outside of the Premier League, and if Derby do not go up, he could well be on his way sooner rather than later.
Hughes is a full England international in the making, and a player who really will have a bright future.
CM - Isaac Hayden
A surprise package this season in that he has stepped into playing midfield, but Hayden has been one of the success stories of the season for Rafa Benitez.
Hayden gets his foot in and is able to cover the ground quickly to protect his back four, a crucial skill in the Championship.
His aerial ability makes him a threat from set pieces he and really has been an astute piece of business by Benitez.
RW - Matt Ritchie
Another excellent summer signing, who despite the price tag, is worth every penny.
Ritchie is one of the driving creative forces in the Championship, and is a nightmare for defenders to deal with due to his ability to use both feet equally as well.
The former Bournemouth man took a big risk in dropping down from the Premier League, but it looks like a risk worth taking for the Scottish international so far.
LW - Tom Ince
Although he can divide opinion with his attitude, Tom Ince is a tremendous player at Championship level, and has started to once again show some good form for the Rams.
Ince is able to win a game on his own, and he frightens full backs with his pace and trickery in the wide positions.
If Ince can keep some consistency to his game, he might well find himself back in the Premier League before too long.
Fwd - Dwight Gayle
A nailed on choice to start in this team, Gayle has been a revelation since his summer move from Crystal Palace.
Gayle has plundered in the goals and done the Newcastle number 9 shirt proud so far in his short spell with the club.
If Gayle can continue to smash in the goals as he has been doing, he could well end up with the golden boot come seasons end, and surely seal promotion for the Magpies in the process.
Newcastle and Derby fans, what do you think? Who would you select? Disagree? Agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!