The international break has finally arrived, but the early weeks of the Championship have already given us plenty to dissect. At the summit, Swansea City have emerged as the 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 at 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 break down the major talking points from the opening phase of the season.
Below is a detailed recap of their observations, supplemented with additional context and analysis. ### Swansea City – The High‑Pressing Swans Swansea have recorded five victories, two draws and only one loss – that defeat came at Southampton – under the guidance of Vítor Matos. Their brand of football has attracted praise for its relentless pressing, high‑energy transitions and a defensive unit that has conceded just six goals so far.
Sharp likened their pressing to the style Marcelo Bielsa employed at Leeds, noting that the Swans aim to win the ball back quickly and launch immediate attacks. Hinchcliffe added that Swansea possess the league’s best defence, combining physicality with a clear tactical identity. He emphasized that the team knows exactly how it wants to play, both with and without possession, and that maintaining such intensity will be the biggest challenge as opponents learn to sit deep and frustrate their forward momentum.
Beyond the numbers, Swansea’s success can be traced to a well‑drilled midfield that presses aggressively, a back line that stays compact, and a forward line that capitalises on turnovers. Their ability to sustain pressure over 90 minutes suggests a fitness regime and a mental discipline that could keep them atop the table for a prolonged period, provided they avoid complacency. ### West Ham United – The Championship’s Most Potent Attack West Ham’s start was rocky; they failed to win any of their first three games. However, a four‑game winning streak followed, and a hard‑fought 2‑2 draw at Millwall demonstrated their resilience.
Their attacking output is unrivalled – 22 goals in eight matches – highlighting the firepower of players such as Jarrod Bowen, Joel Piroe, and the emerging talent Divine Mukasa. Sharp pointed out that the club was expected to bounce straight back to the Premier League, citing the passionate fan base and the quality of the attacking roster. He praised the character within the dressing room, noting that seasoned professionals who have experienced promotion before are providing leadership. Hinchcliffe, while acknowledging that West Ham’s defensive record is not as impressive, argued that their offensive depth is a decisive advantage.
Centre‑back Konstantinos Mavropanos has already contributed four goals, while the bench boasts players who could start for many Championship sides. This depth will be crucial over a grueling 46‑game season, allowing the team to rotate without a significant drop in quality. ### Middlesbrough – A Summer Signing Paying Off Middlesbrough sit third, level on points with West Ham, as they head into the international break. Summer acquisition Will Lankshear has already netted six times, and his continued form could propel the club into serious promotion contention.
Hinchcliffe noted the substantial reinvestment the club has made, including the sale of Hayden Hackney and Morgan Rogers, which funded new signings and a fresh goalkeeper. Sharp believes that if Lankshear reaches a 20‑goal tally, Middlesbrough will have a solid platform for a top‑eight finish and a realistic shot at the play‑offs.
He also warned that the Championship is stronger this season, with teams like Southampton adding to the competitive mix. ### Wolverhampton Wanderers – Lopez Leads the Charge Wolves have accumulated 14 points, highlighted by a 1‑0 victory over West Brom where Fer Lopez scored the decisive goal. The young Spanish midfielder, who returned to Molineux in the summer, has impressed with Premier League‑level performances.
Hinchcliffe praised Lopez’s quality and his ability to give Wolves a dynamic attacking edge, while also noting the balancing role of midfielder André Patry. Sharp added that Lopez, alongside experienced defender Kieran Trippier, provides both creativity and leadership.
Their combined influence gives Wolves a solid platform to build upon as they aim to return to the top flight. ### Sheffield United – In Search of Consistency Sheffield United have managed only two wins so far, and their campaign under Chris Wilder has been characterised by constant tactical tinkering.
Sharp highlighted that the team has altered its formation three times this season, leading to uncertainty over the starting XI and a lack of consistency. Despite these issues, he remains optimistic that the club can climb into the top eight if they generate momentum and belief. Sharp also singled out Romelle Donovan as a potential match‑winner, urging Wilder to give him more playing time. The expectation among fans remains high, and Wilder will need to stabilise his line‑up to satisfy supporters.
### Wrexham – Depth as a Double‑Edged Sword Wrexham recorded a significant win over Southampton, their second of the season, after a heavy 6‑0 loss at West Ham. Manager Phil Parkinson has been rotating his squad extensively, resulting in a depth that resembles two full Championship teams.
Hinchcliffe warned that keeping such a large group satisfied will be a challenge, but also recognised the benefit of having impact players across the pitch. Sharp praised the club’s recruitment, noting that even new signings who need time to adapt will eventually add quality. He specifically mentioned Kieffer Moore’s importance when fit, and the overall balance between finishers and creators.
### Burnley – A Disastrous Opening Burnley sit at the very bottom with just four points and no victories. Sharp described their start as “slow” and highlighted the alarming number of goals conceded, a stark contrast to the club’s defensive reputation in recent seasons. The loss of Zian Flemming, who had a standout debut against West Ham, was cited as a major blow; his potential four‑ or five‑goal haul could have turned matches in Burnley’s favour. Hinchcliffe pointed out the constant personnel changes and the lack of aggression both on and off the ball.
He argued that a defensive unit that allows opponents to dominate possession cannot succeed in the Championship, and urged the club to find a more proactive approach. ### Derby County – Missing Key Players Derby County, who narrowly missed the play‑offs last season, now find themselves in the bottom three, saved only by a late point against Burnley. The club is missing three crucial players – Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang and Matt Clarke – whose absence has weakened the squad’s depth and morale.
Hinchcliffe explained that losing such core members impacts both on‑field performance and dressing‑room atmosphere. Sharp echoed this sentiment, noting that while the return of those players could improve results, Derby must also develop a broader base of contributors to avoid over‑reliance on a few individuals.
### Looking Ahead As the league pauses for the international break, clubs will use the time to fine‑tune tactics, recover injured players, and plan for the next stretch of fixtures. The early season narrative shows a Championship that is highly competitive, with traditional powerhouses like West Ham and Wolves asserting themselves, surprise packages such as Swansea leading the pack, and long‑standing clubs like Burnley and Derby struggling to find form.
Fans can expect the second half of the season to deliver even more drama, as teams fight for promotion, playoff spots, and the crucial battle to avoid relegation. The mix of tactical innovation, squad depth, and individual brilliance will continue to shape the league’s storyline, making the Championship one of the most unpredictable and exciting competitions in English football.