The team from WhoScored.com run through the five standout performers from the midweek action in the Sky Bet League Championship.

1. Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton) – 9.8 Rating

Taylor Harwood-Bellis produced a commanding all-around masterclass in Southampton's emphatic 3-0 Championship victory over Leicester City, earning the highest WhoScored rating of the weekend with a career-first brace.

The young centre-back opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Ryan Manning corner in the 18th minute before adding a second unmarked effort just before halftime in the 42nd, capitalising on pinpoint delivery to dismantle Leicester's defence.

Defensively imperious, he led the match with six clearances and two interceptions while dominating the air with three duels won - the most of any player - consistently thwarting Foxes attacks.

He maintained pinpoint distribution, too, completing passes at an excellent 93% accuracy rate to launch swift transitions.

Harwood-Bellis's blend of goal threat, aerial prowess, and defensive leadership marks him as one of the division's standout performers this season.

2. Ellis Simms (Coventry) – 9.7 Rating

Ellis Simms delivered a devastating striker's masterclass in Coventry's thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Middlesbrough, firing a match-high six shots with four on target to consistently torment Boro keeper Sol Brynn and bag a clinical brace that sealed the Sky Blues' title charge.

The powerful forward bossed the air with a game-high 10 duels won - including eight in the attacking third to hold up play and create chaos, underlining his physical dominance up top.

Impressively, four of his five goals this season have arrived on the road, with an elite 14/28 shots on target conversion rate highlighting his clinical edge as Coventry extend their lead at the Championship summit.

Simms makes his WhoScored Team of the Week debut this season with a well-earned rating of 9.7.

3. Liam Kitching (Coventry) – 9.2 Rating

Liam Kitching mirrored teammate Ellis Simms' heroics with a sensational brace of his own in Coventry's pulsating 4-2 triumph at Middlesbrough, marking his first goals of the season and propelling the Sky Blues 10 points clear at the Championship summit.

The centre-back struck first in the 14th minute, rising highest to power home skipper Matt Grimes' precise cross.

He then delivered the knockout blow in the 85th minute, reacting quickest to smash home the rebound from Sol Brynn's save on Haji Wright to restore the visitors' advantage after Boro had clawed back to 2-2.

Defensively colossal, Kitching anchored the backline with a staggering match-high 17 clearances to repeatedly repel waves of Teesside pressure.

He also maintained an excellent 92% passing accuracy to spark swift counters. His all-action display epitomised Coventry's relentless title charge under Frank Lampard.

Liam Kitching’s outstanding performance earned him his highest-ever career rating on WhoScored.com.

4. Sorba Thomas (Stoke City) – 8.9 Rating

Sorba Thomas shone in Stoke City's strong win over Charlton. He scored two goals from just three shots and also added one assist in the match.

He also created three key passes to unlock the Charlton defence time and again.

The Welsh winger has six goals this season already. His shot accuracy is an impressive 51.85%. Moreover, Thomas also has five assists in the Championship this season.

He ranks in the 95th percentile for assists per 90 minutes at 0.30. This form shows his growing impact since joining from Huddersfield.

Thomas’ 8.9 rating tops his season best on WhoScored.com. It beats his prior high of 8.3 vs Sheffield Wednesday in August, where he created two of three goals.

5. Leo Scienza (Southampton) – 8.2 Rating

Léo Scienza starred in Southampton's dominant display under interim boss Tonda Eckert, delivering a key assist to last week's standout Finn Azaz for his goal while firing three shots himself - including two on target that tested Leicester keeper Begovic.

The Brazilian winger topped the match with three key passes and boasted an impressive 91% pass accuracy, consistently unlocking defences with his vision and directness.

After a rocky start to life at St Mary's that coincided with manager Will Still's sacking, Scienza and his revitalised teammates have hit top gear with four straight wins, surging up the table and building serious momentum ahead of a packed Christmas schedule.

Five of WhoScored's top performers in the Sky Bet Championship

Five of WhoScored's top performers in the Sky Bet Championship