The international break has finally arrived, but the opening weeks of the Championship have already provided plenty of material for discussion. Swansea City have emerged as unexpected leaders after just eight fixtures, while West Ham United sit comfortably in second place, with Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers not far behind. At the opposite end of the table, Burnley remain winless and are anchored to the bottom with only four points.
On the most recent episode of Sky Sports' Essential EFL podcast, former players Billy Sharp and Andy Hinchcliffe dissect the season's early talking points, offering insight into why some clubs are thriving and others floundering. Swansea City have recorded five victories, two draws and a single loss – that defeat coming at Southampton – under the guidance of Vitor Matos.
Their brand of football has attracted attention for its high‑pressing intensity, energetic movement and defensive solidity, having conceded just six goals so far. Sharp likens their pressing to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side, noting the rapid ball recovery and immediate transition into attack. He adds, "They have belief, they sit atop the league, they are scoring, and they have confidence heading into tougher fixtures." Hinchcliffe praises the Swans’ defensive record, physicality and clear identity.
"They know exactly how they want to play, aggressive with and without the ball, and when you sit on top you’ll face teams trying to sit deep and make it difficult – maintaining that energy will be the real test," he says. West Ham United endured a shaky start, failing to win in their first three matches, but then responded with four straight victories before a 2‑2 draw at Millwall. Their attacking output is unrivaled in the division, with 22 goals in eight games.
Sharp points out that the club was expected to bounce straight back to the Premier League, citing the passionate fan base and the quality of forwards such as Jarrod Bowen, Joel Piroe, and others. He emphasizes the importance of character in the dressing room and the experience of players who have previously secured promotion.
Hinchcliffe acknowledges that while West Ham’s defensive ranking is not exemplary, their firepower cannot be ignored. He highlights centre‑back Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has already netted four goals, as well as the contributions of Bowen, Manor Solomon, Divine Mukasa and Piroe.
The depth of their bench, featuring players who could start for many Championship sides, gives them a distinct advantage over a long campaign. Middlesbrough sit third on the ladder, level on points with West Ham, as the international break approaches. Summer signing Will Lankshear has already scored six times, prompting questions about whether the club has enough squad depth to challenge for the top two again.
Hinchcliffe notes the significant investment the club has made, including the funds from the sales of Hayden Hackney and Morgan Rogers, which have allowed them to strengthen the squad and add a new goalkeeper. He believes the depth, especially on the bench, will keep them in the mix for promotion spots.
Sharp adds that if Lankshear can reach the 20‑goal mark, Middlesbrough will have a solid platform. He expects them to be in the play‑off conversation and at least secure a top‑eight finish, though he cautions that this season’s Championship is more competitive, with strong sides like Southampton adding to the challenge.
Wolves have also enjoyed a respectable start, amassing 14 points after a 1‑0 victory over West Brom, thanks to a late winner from Fer López. The young Spaniard, who returned to Molineux in the summer, has impressed with Premier League‑level performances. Hinchcliffe says López’s quality, combined with the attacking mindset of the team, makes Wolves a genuine threat.
He also highlights the balance provided by midfielders like Andre and the experience of Kieran Trippier, suggesting that these elements give the club a solid foundation to build upon. Sheffield United, under Chris Wilder, have managed only two wins so far, indicating a sluggish start. Sharp observes that the team has altered its formation three times this season, leading to uncertainty about both the starting XI and tactical approach. Despite the inconsistency, he believes the squad possesses enough quality to break into the top eight if they can generate momentum and belief.
He specifically calls for Romelle Donovan to receive more playing time, labeling him a potential match‑winner. Wrexham recorded a significant victory over Southampton, their second win of the campaign, after a heavy 6‑0 defeat at West Ham the previous weekend. Manager Phil Parkinson has been rotating his side frequently as he searches for the optimal lineup. Hinchcliffe praises the depth of the squad, suggesting that Wrexham effectively have two Championship‑quality teams at their disposal.
The challenge, he notes, is keeping all players satisfied when many are capable of starting. Sharp commends Wrexham’s recruitment strategy, which has produced a squad capable of rotating without a drop in quality. He mentions Kieffer Moore’s importance when fit and the presence of finishers and game‑changing players throughout the roster. While some new signings may need several weeks to adapt to the league, once they do, the team possesses considerable talent.
At the very bottom, Burnley have collected just four points from eight matches and have yet to secure a win. Sharp describes their start as disastrous, highlighting the excessive number of goals conceded and the lack of a defensive foundation.
He laments the loss of Zian Flemming, who had shown his ability to score multiple goals against West Ham, noting that his departure has left a significant void. Hinchcliffe points out that constant personnel changes have prevented Burnley from establishing a settled eleven or a clear playing style. He criticises their lack of aggression both on and off the ball, stressing that a passive approach cannot succeed in the Championship, especially when they have already conceded the joint‑most goals in the division. Derby County, who narrowly missed the play‑offs last season, find themselves in the bottom three this term, only avoiding the very bottom thanks to a late point earned at Burnley.
Hinchcliffe remarks that the club is missing key figures such as Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang and Matt Clarke – players who would normally be ever‑present for a successful side. Their absence has created a noticeable dip in squad depth and morale. Sharp agrees, emphasizing that losing three important players simultaneously hampers both creativity and defensive stability. While he remains hopeful that their return could spark improvement, he acknowledges that Derby cannot rely solely on those individuals.
Overall, the early stages of the Championship have delivered a mix of surprise leaders, potent attacks, and struggling sides still searching for identity. As the international break provides a brief pause, clubs will have the opportunity to regroup, address weaknesses and aim to maintain or improve their positions when the league resumes.