The best combined Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough XI | OneFootball

FLW outline the best combined XI made up of Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough players in 2025/26...

Yet again, the Championship has delivered a compelling cluster of promotion contenders, with Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough setting the standard through much of 2025/26.

They have consistently separated themselves from the chasing pack, even with the likes of Millwall, Hull City, and Southampton mounting strong campaigns of their own to chase Middlesbrough and co. down. With Coventry having all but secured their place in the Premier League under Frank Lampard, it feels increasingly inevitable that at least one of the other two will follow.

All three sides have been expertly coached, blending their tactical identities with consistency over the course of the season. However, just as important is the depth of quality within each squad. These are not teams who are fighting for promotion because of just one or two standout players, either.

Ipswich have just been relegated but the other two have been fighting at the right end of the Championship for some time now. They are stacked with talent across the pitch. As a result, selecting a combined XI is far from straightforward, with numerous positions having serious debate.

A combined XI of Coventry, Ipswich, and Middlesbrough stars

Here’s a breakdown of the best combined XI between Middlesbrough, Ipswich, and Coventry. Each selection is justified based on performance and quality, but also in terms of balance as well as their overall impact across the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

GK: Carl Rushworth (Coventry City)

Carl Rushworth has been a season-defining presence between the sticks for Coventry, playing a crucial role in their promotion-winning campaign. His shot-stopping has been consistently outstanding, often bailing his side out in high-pressure moments, while his command of the penalty area continues to improve. What gives him the edge over his counterparts is his reliability, as he rarely making costly errors and frequently produces decisive saves. With other strong goalkeepers across these three sides, Rushworth’s consistency and incredible dataset this season, with 7.9 'goals prevented per FotMob, ultimately makes him the standout choice in goal.

RB: Milan van Ewijk (Coventry City)

Milan van Ewijk has been one of the most dynamic full-backs in the division for Coventry. Operating on the right, his energy up and down the flank has been relentless. He has improved off the ball but primarily offers attacking thrust and assists. His overlapping runs and ability to stretch play have been key to Coventry’s attacking structure. Compared to alternatives from Ipswich and Middlesbrough, van Ewijk’s all-round influence and consistency make him a clear inclusion at right-back. However, Callum Brittain has also had an outstanding campaign and can consider himself unlucky to miss out.

CB: Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town)

Dara O'Shea has brought leadership and a wealth of experience for his age to Ipswich's back line. His reading of the game is a standout trait, allowing him to intercept danger early, but it is aerially where he stands out. Either O'Shea or Cedric Kipre had to be here and both are strong in the air and fairly comfortable in possession. The pair have been integral to Ipswich’s season so far. While there are other capable centre-backs for Coventry, like Liam Kitching and Bobby Thomas, O’Shea’s blend of organisation and consistency earns him a deserved place in this XI.

Adilson Malanda edges into the side as the defensive anchor at centre-back for Middlesbrough. Physically dominant and aggressive in duels, he provides a contrast to O’Shea’s style due to his progressive passes out from the back on the ball. His ability to defend large spaces and win one-on-one battles has been crucial in Middlesbrough’s system, but Kim Hellberg relies on Malanda's eye for passes into midfield as well, helping initiate attacks from deep. His profile complements the rest of the defence well, and his individual physical and athletic qualities make him difficult to overlook in a combined selection.

LB: Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)

Leif Davis is one of the easiest picks on the list. He continues to redefine the role of a full-back at Ipswich as the division's best left-back. Arguably one of the most creative players in the league from a defensive position, his delivery and chance creation numbers are always exceptional. Whether overlapping or underlapping, Davis consistently provides attacking output, contributing assists and controlling territory on the left flank. Defensively, he has things to improve upon, but it is his offensive quality that truly sets him apart from any full-back in the league. Compared to other left-backs across the three clubs, he's an automatic pick.

DM: Frank Onyeka (Coventry City)

Frank Onyeka offers the defensive balance required in midfield for Coventry, with his influence after signing in January proving to be the missing piece of the puzzle for Lampard. His energy, ball-winning ability, and positional discipline allow more creative players to flourish. While Matt Grimes has also been impressive, the need for a balanced midfield pairing ultimately works in Onyeka’s favour. His ability to break up play and cover ground is vital in a combined XI where attacking talent is plentiful. Onyeka’s presence ensures defensive security, making him a logical selection alongside a more progressive midfielder. But will it be Grimes?

DM: Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)

As the progressor of this double-pivot, it was between Hayden Hackney and Grimes. Unfortunately for the Cov captain, the Boro midfielder has once again underlined his status as one of the Championship’s most intelligent and quality midfielders this season. His ability to dictate tempo, break lines with progressive passes, and control possession make him indispensable. In this XI, he provides the creative spark from deeper areas, complementing Onyeka’s defensive qualities. While other midfielders were considered, Hackney’s technical level stands out above every player in his position in the league. His inclusion ensures the side has control in the middle of the park.

RW: Jaden Philogene (Ipswich Town)

Jaden Philogene earns his place as one of the standout wide players for Ipswich. Naturally more comfortable on the left, but two-footed enough to play both sides, his direct dribbling, flair, and all-round attacking ability to beat defenders makes him a constant threat. Despite that, he is included on the right in this XI due to the lack of equally effective alternatives from Coventry or Middlesbrough. His individual quality is simply too high to omit. Even when operating slightly out of position, Philogene’s attacking output and creativity justify his inclusion here.

AM: Jack Rudoni (Coventry City)

Jack Rudoni has been a key creative force for Coventry for two seasons now, operating effectively in advanced midfield areas — much like his manager as a player. His intelligence between the lines, ability to link play, and eye for goal make him a natural fit in the number 10 role. Rudoni’s work rate also stands out, contributing both in and out of possession. In a team filled with attacking talent, his ability to connect midfield and attack is invaluable. Despite an injury-hit season, he is the best in his position in the league when fit, and his all-round contribution gives him the edge in this position.

LW: Jack Clarke (Ipswich Town)

Jack Clarke is another left-sided attacker who simply cannot be left out of the XI. Representing Ipswich to a high standard after relegation, his ability to cut inside, create chances, and score goals has been a major factor in their success already so far. Like Philogene, he is most comfortable from the left, but both players are included due to their superior quality compared to alternatives from the other two clubs. He has kept his teammate out of the team due to his end product, which makes him one of the most dangerous wingers in the league, and warranting his place regardless of positional overlap.

CF: Haji Wright (Coventry City)

Haji Wright leads the line for this team after a standout campaign with Coventry. His physical presence, ability to stretch defences, and improved finishing again this season now make him the ideal striker for this side. As a centre-forward, Wright offers a blend of pace, power, and movement. This allows him to operate both centrally and to drift into wider areas when needed. Compared to striking options severely lacking at both Ipswich and Middlesbrough, who have more goals from their wingers and attacking midfielders, Wright's overall impact and goal contributions this term give him the edge. Wright’s role as the primary goal threat makes him a fitting choice to spearhead the attack.