It’s that time again… the EFL Team of the Week, in association with FIFA 17 Ultimate Team.
While there may have been an EFL Cup Final going on this weekend, there was still a full schedule across our three divisions, and we’ve picked out a selection of players who impressed.Goalkeeper: Connor Ripley (Oldham Athletic) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™ Database
Not much needs to be said about the talented Mr Ripley, who takes his place after being named the EFL Star of the Day.
Ripley was heading for a clean sheet at home to Millwall, but was then forced to face two stoppage-time penalties. He saved them both, and Oldham got their point.
Defender: Alex Whitmore (Morecambe) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™
Morecambe defended doggedly as Grimsby Town made the visit to the Globe Arena, restricting the Mariners to few clear-cut opportunities.
Whitmore was one of those to impress, helping the Shrimps to a clean sheet in their 1-0 win.
Defender: James Chester (Aston Villa) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™
Aston Villa’s winless run of nine matches was finally brought to an end, with Chester’s goal settling matters at home to Derby County.
It was the skipper’s first goal for the club and his first since 2014, and he capped it off with a clean sheet.
Defender: Cameron Burgess (Bury) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™🎥 reaction: James Chester on #AVLDER win, his first goal, the clean sheet and Tuesday’s @BCFCTweets game. #AVFCpic.twitter.com/iDlHvVhxST
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) February 26, 2017
Bury recorded a fantastic 1-0 win away at Charlton Athletic, giving Lee Clark a second consecutive victory since taking charge of the Shakers.
Burgess was in impressive form for the visitors, standing firm against all that the Addicks could throw at them.
Midfielder: Jamie Murphy (Brighton & Hove Albion) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™
Murphy was named Man of the Match in Saturday’s evening kick-off as Brighton returned to the top of the Sky Bet Championship in style.
The winger starred in the 3-0 win against Reading, and netted for the Seagulls with the most sublime of chips.
Midfielder: Josh Wright (Gillingham) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™
Ady Pennock finally got off the mark as Gillingham manager, and he had Wright to thank for seeing them past Southend United.
The midfielder struck two goals just before half-time and they proved decisive, with the Gills going on to record a 2-1 triumph.
Midfielder: David Davis (Birmingham City) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™
Davis was another man to impress in front of the cameras this weekend, earning the Man of the Match award in Birmingham’s Friday night win over Wolves.
The versatile midfielder impressed throughout and netted the winner to give Gianfranco Zola’s side bragging rights over their West Midlands rivals.
Midfielder: Jota (Brentford) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™🎥 "We're fighting for the Manager and we're fighting for each other."@Diggad1991 on staying together as a group. #BCFCpic.twitter.com/7KpE7fTv93
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) February 25, 2017
Jota has been in fine form since his return to Griffin Park, but he produced his best performance to date as Brentford overcame Rotherham United.
The Spaniard had already scored once but the game was tied until the 90th minute — until he struck twice in stoppage time to earn three points and the match ball.
Forward: Conor McAleny (Oxford United) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™🇪🇸 @KingJota at the treble 🇪🇸
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) February 25, 2017
The @BrentfordFC man hit three on the way to victory today. pic.twitter.com/EySkjEwUdB
Another hat-trick hero among this week’s selection is McAleny, who scored a stunning treble for the in-form Oxford.
The first of his efforts in the 4-0 rout of Chesterfield was also named Sky Bet League One’s Goal of the Weekend, capping off a fine weekend for the Everton loanee.
Forward: Billy Sharp (Sheffield United) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™The stunning first of a sublime hat-trick 🔥@OUFCOfficial's @CMcAleny scored our #GoalOfTheWeekend! pic.twitter.com/ClOJK7hIFH
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) February 27, 2017
Sharp was at the double for Sheffield United as they earned a huge three points against fellow promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers.
The Blades skipper scored a goal in each half to put more distance between the pair, and took his season tally to 23 in the process.
Forward: Nicky Ajose (Swindon Town) >> FIFA 17 Ultimate Team™
Swindon were another side to pick up three crucial points in Sky Bet League One, albeit at the opposite end of the table.
The struggling Robins faced rock-bottom Coventry City, and Ajose’s brace was key in the 3-1 victory.
Manager: Paul Cook (Portsmouth)
Another crunch weekend in Sky Bet League Two pitted promotion-chasing Portsmouth against third-placed Carlisle United, and it was the south coast club who took the points.
The emphatic 3-0 win in Cumbria meant Cook’s men made up crucial ground on their rivals, and earned Pompey the EFL’s Result of the Day.
#EFL RESULT OF THE DAY!@officialpompey.
— EFL (@EFL) February 25, 2017
Emphatic 3-0 winners at promotion rivals, and the only team in @SkyBetLeagueTwo's top 6️⃣ to win! pic.twitter.com/HJn8FUCVgU