The Championship's top six were in action against each other during gameweek 17 this weekend, with Derby County climbing from third to top the table going into the two-week international break.
The Rams trounced sixth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 to go top, with previous leaders Bournemouth playing out a goalless draw at Middlesbrough to end their six-game winning streak.
In the other top-six clash, Ipswich Town won their third game in a week with a 1-0 victory over Watford to leapfrog the Hornets and go fourth.
Brentford occupy the final playoff place after also winning three on the bounce with a hard-fought 3-2 win at fellow Londoners Millwall.
Here, Sports Mole chooses its best XI from the weekend, in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, as well as highlighting the biggest numpty and best goal.
Darren Randolph (Birmingham City)
Gary Rowett has stabilised Birmingham since coming in as manager, leading the Blues to three unbeaten games. On Saturday they held Cardiff City to a goalless draw, with Randolph making several key stops.
Alan Dunne (Millwall)
Might have ended up on the losing side, but scored a rare goal with a crisp low strike that pulled Millwall level at 2-2 against Brentford.
Andre Bikey (Charlton Athletic)
Addicks boss Bob Peeters reserved special praise for Bikey after he helped Charlton keep a clean sheet against former club Reading. A 1-0 victory for Peeters's side sees them just outside the playoffs.
Liam Cooper (Leeds United)
Leeds earned their first win since September by overcoming rock-bottom Blackpool and Cooper set them on their way with a bullet volley from outside the box - his first goal for the Whites since a summer switch from Chesterfield.
Craig Forsyth (Derby County)
Derby were brilliant against Wolves and Forsyth was superb both defensively and going forward. His cross for the fifth was perfectly weighted and directed.
Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers)
Bolton continued their recent resurgence under Neil Lennon with a 3-1 victory over fellow North-West side Wigan Athletic on Friday night. Lee played the incisive pass that set up the first before sealing the win with a cool penalty.
Kevin Bru (Ipswich Town)
Three wins in a week for Ipswich, who are just two points adrift of league leaders Derby. Mauritian midfielder Bru is enjoying a run in the team and impressed again at Portman Road with a lung-busting performance. It was his shot that Tommy Smith forced home for the late winner against Watford.
Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
Two goals for Irish international Hendrick from midfield in the 5-0 rout of Wolves. Both were superb finishes as first he blasted low from outside the box before calmly slotting home to round off a fabulous team move.
Johnny Russell (Derby County)
Another Derby player, Russell also netted a brace like Hendrick. He is in a rich vein of form at the moment which has resulted in a call-up to the senior Scotland squad.
Ross McCormack (Fulham)
Had perhaps his best game for the Cottagers since a big-money summer move from Leeds. He set up the first in a 3-1 victory over Huddersfield Town before rifling home the third with a sweet long-range effort.
Andre Gray (Brentford)
Gray, who last year was playing Conference football for Luton, is on fire at the moment, netting twice in the win over Millwall to make it four goals in three games.
Numpty of the Week
Wes Thomas: It might have been an encouraging point for Birmingham, but Rowett will now be without Thomas for the next three games after he stupidly raised his hand to earn a straight red card.
Goal of the Week
Callum McManaman (Wigan Athletic) vs. Bolton Wanderers: After unluckily striking the woodwork twice against Bolton, McManaman scored their late consolation with a stunning first-time side-footed volley.
Pascal Lemesre
