Middlesbrough upwardly mobile, Barnsley and Leeds United falter, Sheffield Wednesday show fight – Power Rankings

There is a welcome leap in the right direction for Bradford City especially, have a scroll through the latest ‘standings’ and see if you agree with our Yorkshire order - let us know your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom.

1: Middlesbrough WLLWWW (+1)

Addressed their wobbly away form in emphatic fashion by way of their handsome 4-1 win at Birmingham, their third victory on the spin and fourth in six matches. Boro will be tucking into their turkey in decent mood - they are ranked third in the Championship’s latest six-match form guide.

2: Doncaster Rovers LWWWWL (-1)

On the receiving end of a Scrooge-like performance from Shrewsbury in midweek, which ensured that Rovers players are not driving home for Christmas as the number one team in League One. The bigger picture is healthy, it must be said. Doncaster have won four of their past five matches and are third in the division’s six-match form guide and are well placed in the table. They would have taken that back in September.

3: Barnsley WLWWWL (-1)

The Reds’ long wait for a win in Swansea - stretching back to 1974 and the days of Bay City Rollers and outlandish flares - has extended that longer. It represented a rare blip in the outstanding Valerien Ismael era. Eight victories in 13 games is still seriously impressive. Next up is a home derby with Huddersfield Town. A real pity that no supporters will be in attendance. Fifth in the Championship’s six-match guide.

4: Huddersfield Town LWWLDW (+1)

Home comforts at the minute for Town, who secured their fourth successive league win at the John Smith’s Stadium for the first time since February 2017 in Saturday’s fine success over Watford. Town’s home form is the sixth best in the division. But the next appointment is a short hop to the other side of the Emley Moor mast to Barnsley.

5: Bradford City LLLDWW (+4)

Two outstanding goals and a souvenir from a grim year was provided for City at Blundell Park on Tuesday. A return of seven points from nine under the caretaker command of Mark Trueman and Connor Sellers has provided Bradford with some welcome respite and bought the club’s hierarchy some precious time as they assess their options before settling upon their permanent replacement for Stuart McCall.

6: Leeds United DWLLWL (-2)

Christmas did not come early for Leeds United at Old Trafford. Quite the opposite on a bruising afternoon against the old enemy…. By common consent, Leeds were going to cop one or two beatings in their Premier League education and this was one of them. A victory or two in the club’s next two matches against Burnley and West Brom would address the damage and tend to the wounds.

7: Hull City WDDLLL (-2)

Not in action until their December 29 encounter with high-flying near-neighbours Lincoln City and it may not be viewed as too bad a thing by Grant McCann. Hull were on the receiving end of a professional away ‘job’ from Portsmouth to dash their hopes of being top dogs in League One for Christmas last time out, their third reverse in a week. With Sunderland’s players confirmed to barracks amid Covid-19 isolation, the Tigers have Boxing Day off.

8: Rotherham United DLLLWL (=)

Inactive last Saturday after news of a positive test in their ranks meant that their proposed home game with Derby County was postponed at a late juncture. The Millers are ranked 21st in the Championship’s latest six-match form guide. They possess the 18th best home form, but only two sides - Nottingham Forest and Wycombe - have more inferior away statistics.

9: Sheffield Wednesday DLLLLW (+1)

The relief was palpable at the final whistle on Saturday as the Owls registered their first win in ten matches and maiden success under Tony Pulis. It is a start as the saying goes, but only that…

10: Harrogate Town LLLLWL (-3)

Harrogate’s return to the spa town after starting the season at ‘home’ in Doncaster has been problematic and thorny in the extreme. The Sulphurites have lost their last four home fixtures at the CNG Stadium and all told - home and away - they have lost nine of their last 12 outings in all competitions.

11: Sheffield United LLLLLD (=)

The good news is that the Blades’ run of eight successive defeats ended at Brighton on Sunday, but it could have been so much more…. Chris Wilder’s side, who have taken just two Premier League points from a possible 42 this term, have recorded the lowest total by an English top-flight season at this stage of a campaign.