CB: Sonny Bradley – Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers) 86.79%
I’ve always liked Jimmy Dunne, a former Burnley youngster who appeared for Sunderland in League One. He’s gone on to have a solid career, and he’s a player who is steady, capable and well liked by the home support at Loftus Road. Sounds a lot like our Sonny.
Dunne has forged his Championship reputation through resilience and aerial dominance. At QPR he has become a leader at the back, known for throwing himself into duels. He’s 28, and has recently been capped by Ireland.
CB: Tom Hamer – Jake Cooper (Millwall) 77.01%
Millwall fight and scrap, and I respect any side competing regularly in the Championship who do not have Premier League experience behind them. They’re an underdog, and it’s pleasing Cooper is the first of three Millwall players whose profiles align with ours.
One of the most recognisable defensive profiles in the division, Cooper is a towering centre back who has been central to Millwall’s defensive identity for years. His strength in both boxes makes him a constant set piece threat, similar to Hamer. I don’t think he can throw a football as far.
CDM: Conor McGrandles – Billy Mitchell (Millwall) 91.95%
Come on, you’ll be telling me one of our players profiles like Barry from EastEnders next.
Wait, there really is a Billy Mitchell at Millwall? Conor McGrandles will be delighted, as I was just about to compare him to the Mitchell brothers’ lackey.
All joking aside, Mitchell is the closest alignment any Championship player has with the ten Imps I’ve selected in this team. He is a Millwall academy graduate who has grown into a key midfield presence. Industrious and disciplined, Mitchell anchors play with sharp positioning and a willingness to do the unseen work that holds a side together.