The international break has finally arrived, but the opening weeks of the Championship have already given us plenty of material to discuss. At the top of the table, 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 spectrum, Burnley find themselves rooted to the bottom, still searching for their first win and possessing only four points. In the latest episode of the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast, former players Billy Sharp and Andy Hinchcliffe break down the most compelling talking points from the early part of the season.
They examine why Swansea’s high‑pressing, energetic brand of football has earned them admiration, why West Ham’s firepower is already the most prolific in the division, and why clubs such as Burnley, Derby County and Sheffield United are struggling to find consistency. **Swansea City – The Pressing Swans** Swansea have recorded five victories, two draws and just one loss – that defeat coming at Southampton – under the guidance of Vitor Matos.
Their success is built on an aggressive, high‑press system that forces opponents into mistakes and then capitalises quickly. Sharp likens their approach to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side, noting the similarity in how they win the ball high up the pitch and transition immediately into attack. Defensively, they have been rock‑solid, conceding only six goals so far, which gives them a strong platform to build on. Hinchcliffe adds that Swansea possess the "best defence in the league" and combine physicality with urgency.
He praises their clear identity: the players know exactly how they want to play, whether they have the ball or are defending. Maintaining that intensity will be the biggest challenge, as other teams will start to sit deep and try to frustrate their rhythm. **West Ham United – A Goal‑Scoring Machine** West Ham’s start was shaky – they failed to win any of their first three matches – but they responded with four consecutive victories and a hard‑earned 2‑2 draw at Millwall.
Their attacking output is remarkable: 22 goals in eight games, the highest tally in the division. Sharp points out that the club was expected to bounce straight back to the Premier League, and they have delivered on that expectation thanks to a passionate fan base and a wealth of attacking talent.
Key players such as Jarrod Bowen, Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon and the newly‑arrived Konstantinos Mavropanos (who has already scored four times from centre‑back) provide a constant threat. Hinchcliffe notes that while West Ham’s defensive record is not as impressive, their depth is a massive advantage. The bench is filled with players who could start for most Championship sides, giving the club a significant edge over a grueling 46‑game season. **Middlesbrough – The Lankshear Effect** Middlesbrough sit third, level on points with West Ham, and have benefited from the summer signing of striker Will Lankshear, who has already netted six times.
Both pundits agree that the club has invested heavily, using the funds from the sales of Hayden Hackney and Morgan Rogers to rebuild. A new goalkeeper and added depth across the squad have improved their prospects, though they still need to prove they can challenge for the top two spots. Sharp believes that if Lankshear reaches the 20‑goal mark, Middlesbrough will have a solid platform for a playoff push. Hinchcliffe cautions that the Championship is stronger this season, with clubs like Southampton also performing well, but he expects Boro to be in the mix for the top eight.
**Wolverhampton Wanderers – Lopez’s Impact** Wolves have collected 14 points after a 1‑0 win over West Brom, thanks to a decisive goal from Fer Lopez. The young Spaniard returned to Molineux in the summer and has quickly become a key player, showing Premier League‑level quality.
Hinchcliffe highlights his ability to give Wolves a cutting edge in attack, while Andre (the midfield anchor) provides balance, allowing the forwards more freedom. Sharp adds that the presence of experienced figures like Kieran Trippier, combined with Lopez’s flair, gives Wolves a solid foundation to build upon as they chase promotion. **Sheffield United – A Rocky Start** Sheffield United have managed only two wins so far under Chris Wilder, and their formation has changed three times already. Sharp notes the lack of consistency and the uncertainty surrounding the starting XI, but he still believes the club can finish in the top eight if they find momentum and confidence.
He urges the inclusion of match‑winner Romelle Donovan, who could change the complexion of games. **Wrexham – Depth and Adaptability** Wrexham recorded a big win over Southampton, their second victory of the campaign, after a heavy 6‑0 defeat at West Ham.
Manager Phil Parkinson has been rotating his squad heavily, trying to discover the optimal lineup. Hinchcliffe praises the club’s depth, suggesting they effectively have two Championship‑quality teams at their disposal. Sharp compliments their recruitment, noting that players like Kieffer Moore can be decisive when fit, and that the squad’s quality will improve as new signings settle. **Burnley – A Disastrous Opening** Burnley sit at the very bottom with just four points and no wins.
Sharp describes the start as "slow" and highlights the defensive frailties – they have conceded the joint‑most goals in the league. The loss of Zian Flemming, who showed his quality in the opening match against West Ham, has been a major blow.
Hinchcliffe points to the constant changes in personnel and the lack of aggression both on and off the ball as key problems. He stresses that a team cannot afford to sit back and allow opponents to dominate possession in the Championship; a more proactive approach is essential. **Derby County – Missing Key Players** Derby County, who narrowly missed the playoffs last season, now find themselves in the bottom three, rescued only by a late point against Burnley. The club is missing three influential players – Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang and Matt Clarke – which has disrupted squad depth and morale.
Both pundits agree that the absence of these characters makes it difficult for Derby to compete, but they still hold out hope that the team can recover once the players return. Overall, the early stage of the Championship season has delivered a mix of surprise leaders, dominant attacking sides, and clubs struggling to find a foothold. As the international break provides a brief pause, teams will have the chance to regroup, address weaknesses, and return with fresh energy for the next round of fixtures.