The international break has finally arrived, but the opening weeks of the Championship have already given us plenty of material to discuss. At the moment, Swansea City sit atop the table after just eight matches, a surprising development that has many pundits taking notice. Close behind them sit West Ham United in second place, while Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers are not far off the leaders' heels. At the opposite end of the league, Burnley remain winless and are anchored to the bottom with a meagre four points.
In the most recent episode of the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast, former players Billy Sharp and Andy Hinchcliffe dissected the key talking points that have emerged from the first phase of the season. Their analysis covered everything from tactical trends to individual performances, and they offered a clear picture of where each club stands as the league heads into its first pause.
### Swansea City – The New Kings of the Championship Swansea have compiled an impressive record of five victories, two draws and only one defeat, which came at the hands of Southampton. Manager Vitor Matos has crafted a side that combines a relentless high‑press with a compact defensive shape, allowing them to concede just six goals so far. Sharp likened their pressing style to the intensity of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side, noting that the Swans aim to win the ball back quickly and transition into attack at pace.
Hinchcliffe added that the Swans possess the league's strongest defence, coupled with a physicality that makes them difficult to break down. He praised their clear identity: a team that knows exactly how it wants to play, whether it has possession or is defending without the ball.
The challenge, he warned, will be to maintain that intensity as opponents begin to study their patterns and try to sit deep to frustrate them. The Swans’ confidence is evident in their goal‑scoring record; they have been prolific in front of goal while remaining stingy at the back.
This balance has propelled them to the summit and, if they can keep the momentum, they could remain serious contenders for promotion. ### West Ham United – Firepower That Can’t Be Ignored West Ham’s start was uneven: they failed to win any of their first three fixtures, but then turned the tide with four consecutive victories. Their most recent outing was a hard‑fought 2‑2 draw against Millwall, which demonstrated the squad’s resilience. The Hammers have been the league’s most prolific attackers, netting 22 goals in eight games.
Sharp emphasized that West Ham were expected to bounce straight back to the Premier League, citing their passionate fan base and the quality of their forward line. Players such as Jarrod Bowen, Joel Piroe, and the emerging talent of Manor Solomon have provided the cutting edge needed to dominate many matches. Sharp also highlighted the importance of the dressing‑room character, noting that experienced players have helped the team recover from setbacks.
Hinchcliffe pointed out that while West Ham’s defensive record is not as impressive as their attacking output, the sheer firepower they possess cannot be dismissed. Centre‑back Konstantinos Mavropanos has contributed four goals, an unusual but valuable asset.
The depth of the squad is another advantage; even the bench players could start for many other Championship sides, giving the Hammers a significant edge over the long haul of a season. ### Middlesbrough – A Strong Summer Recruitment Paying Off Middlesbrough entered the break sitting third, level on points with West Ham. Summer signing Will Lankshear has already made an impact, scoring six goals. Hinchcliffe praised the club’s investment, noting that the funds generated from the sales of Hayden Hackney and Morgan Rogers have been wisely reinvested in quality players, including a new goalkeeper and added depth across the pitch.
Sharp believes that if Lankshear can reach the 20‑goal mark, Middlesbrough will have a solid platform for a promotion push. He expects the club to be in the play‑off mix, if not challenging for an automatic spot, given the overall strength of this season’s Championship. The competition is fierce, with clubs like Southampton also performing well, but Boro’s squad depth and attacking talent give them a realistic chance of finishing in the top eight.
### Wolverhampton Wanderers – Lopez Leads the Charge Wolves have also enjoyed a steady start, collecting 14 points after a 1‑0 win over West Brom, secured by Fer Lopez’s decisive goal. The Spanish midfielder, who returned to Molineux in the summer, has been a standout performer and could be a catalyst for Wolves’ promotion ambitions. Hinchcliffe described Lopez as a player of Premier League calibre, noting his quality and the freedom he gives the team’s attackers. The presence of experienced figures like Kieran Trippier and the midfield balance provided by Andre adds further stability.
Sharp echoed these sentiments, stating that such players create a solid platform on which the club can build. ### Sheffield United – A Rocky Start Under Wilder Sheffield United have managed only two wins so far, and Chris Wilder’s side has struggled to find consistency.
Sharp observed that the team has altered its formation three times already, leaving fans uncertain about the starting eleven and tactical approach. Despite the lack of stability, Sharp remains optimistic that United can climb into the top eight if they generate momentum and belief. Sharp singled out Romelle Donovan as a potential match‑winner who needs more playing time. He also stressed that while supporters are currently dissatisfied, Wilder’s experience should eventually translate into better results.
### Wrexham – Depth as a Double‑Edged Sword Wrexham recorded a convincing win over Southampton, their second victory of the season, after a heavy 6‑0 defeat at West Ham. Manager Phil Parkinson has been rotating his squad heavily in search of the optimal lineup.
Hinchcliffe praised the club’s depth, suggesting they effectively have two Championship‑quality teams at their disposal. Sharp highlighted the club’s recruitment strategy, noting that the squad can adapt to changes without a significant drop in quality. Players like Kieffer Moore, when fit, provide a strong aerial threat, while new signings are expected to settle and add further firepower.
### Burnley – A Disastrous Opening Campaign At the opposite extreme, Burnley sit at the foot of the table with just four points and no wins. Sharp described their start as “slow” and criticized the number of goals they have conceded, a stark contrast to the club’s defensive solidity in previous seasons.
The loss of Zian Flemming, who impressed in the opening match against West Ham, has been a major setback; Sharp believes Flemming could have contributed four or five goals on his own. Hinchcliffe added that the constant changes in personnel have prevented the team from establishing a clear identity or an aggressive playing style. In the Championship, a team that is not willing to press and dominate possession will often find itself on the back foot, and Burnley’s joint‑most goals conceded after eight games underline this problem. ### Derby County – Missing Key Players Derby County, who narrowly missed the play‑offs last season, are currently languishing in the bottom three, only avoiding the very bottom due to a late point earned at Burnley.
The club has been hit hard by injuries to crucial players such as Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang, and Matt Clarke. Hinchcliffe noted that the absence of these core figures has hampered the team’s ability to compete week in week out. Sharp echoed this sentiment, stating that losing three important players simultaneously is a significant blow.
While Derby still possesses talent, the lack of depth and the inability to replace those missing leaders has contributed to their poor form. ### Looking Ahead As the Championship pauses for the international break, clubs will have a chance to regroup, assess their tactics, and address squad issues. Swansea’s high‑pressing identity, West Ham’s attacking depth, Middlesbrough’s summer signings, and Wolves’ midfield dynamism all suggest a competitive race for promotion. Conversely, Burnley’s defensive frailties and Derby’s injury woes illustrate the challenges that can derail a campaign.
Fans can expect a return of action after the break with renewed intensity, as each side looks to cement its position—whether that means fighting for the top spots, aiming for a play‑off berth, or simply trying to avoid the dreaded relegation zone. The Championship remains one of the most unpredictable and fiercely contested leagues in English football, and the next phase promises even more drama and excitement.