10 key EFL Championship players when the season restarts, including Leeds,

The Championship returns this weekend for the final nine games of the season with things to play for at both ends of the table.

The relegation battle is too close to call with 17th to 22nd separated by just three points.

At the other end of the table, Leeds and West Brom hold the advantage in the race for the automatic promotion places with a fairly sizeable lead over Fulham.

The play-off picture is far from clear with teams as low down as Derby in 12th probably thinking they might have a shot at the top six if they get on a good run.

Here at talkSPORT.com, we have taken a look at some of the key players who could be the decisive factors in those battles.

This weekend you can hear Fulham v Brentford, West Brom v Birmingham, and Cardiff v Leeds, live and exclusive on talkSPORT 2

Macauley Bonne (Charlton)

The Addicks are in a relegation dogfight and will be without the leading scorer Lyle Taylor.

The striker is refusing to play as his contract is up at the end of the season and he does not want to get injured ahead of a possible lucrative move in the summer.

Bonne, 24, will need to step into the fore and help fire Charlton to safety.

The striker signed from Leyton Orient last summer in a £200,000 transfer and quickly impressed at The Valley.

He has netted eight times this season, including a run of five goals in six games in September and October.

Bonne will need to step out of Taylor’s shadow and become the main man to ensure their survival.

Luke Ayling (Leeds)

He was in the form of his life before the three month suspension to the Championship. He scored in the wins over Hull and Huddersfield.

The 28-year-old has scored four times this season and been one of the best full-backs in the second tier.

Leeds just missed out on promotion in 2018/19 season and will need their senior players to step up to see them over the line this year.

Ayling has been with Leeds for four years now and it’s easy to see his importance both on and off the pitch.

He has fronted up to the media when things haven’t gone their way and put extra responsibility on himself.

He told The Athletic: “After Forest, everybody gave themselves a little shake. All of the boys pulled out an extra five per cent.

“I felt like me and the older lads needed to lead by example and try and help some of the younger boys. I hope I’ve done that. Everybody stepped it up.”

Tom Eaves (Hull)

Hull were dealt a major blow in their bid for survival this week when captain Eric Lichaj and…