Central defenders from Newcastle United, Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion all feature in this HITC Sport poll.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Fernando Forestieri (L) in action with Leeds United’s Kyle Bartley
With the Championship season now reaching the crucial stages when it comes to securing a potential promotion/play-off place, teams throughout the division are tightening their defences, desperate not to drop any points. But which side has the best defensive pairing at the back? Before we give you a chance to vote in this HITC Sport poll, here’s a look at some of the contenders…
Jamaal Lascelles & Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United)
Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles applauds the fans at the end of the match
Sat now at the top of the table on 73 points after their recent victory against promotion rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United’s defence has been good for much of the season. At the heart of it, Rafa Benitez has Captain Jamaal Lascelles, who won a lot of fans last season after his fighting words during Newcastle United’s relegation battle, and new signing Ciaran Clark, who joined in the summer from Aston Villa. Together, the two defenders complement each other with pace and power, and also possess a real threat from set-pieces.
Shane Duffy & Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Brighton’s Lewis Dunk celebrates
Signed from Blackburn Rovers after an excellent European Cup campaign with the Republic of Ireland, Shane Duffy has added some much needed steel to Brighton & Hove Albion’s defence this season, complementing defensive partner Lewis Dunk perfectly. Dunk, who has been with the Seasiders his entire professional career, has been a star of Chris Hughton’s side for quite some time. But since partnering up with Duffy, the young defender has stepped up to another level. Looking set to secure an automatic-promotion place, Brighton & Hove Albion’s defence has been vital to their success this season.
Kyle Bartley & Pontus Jansson (Leeds United)
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring their first goal
Essential to Leeds United’s surprise success this season, Kyle Bartley, who is on loan from Swansea City, and Swedish defender Pontus Jansson, who will sign permanently from Torino in June 2017, make up possibly the largest centre-back pairing in the Championship. Hard-hitting, powerful and frustrating to play against, Bartley and Jansson sum up everything Leeds United fans expect from their defenders, and have played a huge part in reuniting the club’s loyal fanbase with their club once again.
So which of the above is the best defensive pairing in the Championship? Cast your vote below!
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