The international break has finally arrived, but the opening weeks of the Championship have already given us plenty to discuss. Swansea City have emerged as the surprise frontrunners 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 are languishing at the very bottom, still searching for their first win and clinging to a meagre four points.
On the most recent Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast, former England striker Billy Sharp and former Liverpool defender Andy Hinchcliffe dissected the key storylines from the early part of the campaign. They highlighted the tactical trends, individual performances and the challenges each club faces as the season unfolds.
Swansea City: A High‑Pressing Powerhouse Vítor Matos' side have recorded five victories, two draws and only one loss – that defeat coming at Southampton – and they have done so with a brand of football that has attracted many admirers. Their high‑pressing, energetic approach, combined with a ruthless defensive record of just six goals conceded, has set them apart from the rest of the league.
Sharp likened Swansea's pressing to the style of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, saying, "They win the ball back quickly and then launch attacks, showing a belief and confidence that comes from being top of the table and scoring regularly." Hinchcliffe added, "They have the best defence in the competition, but what really stands out is their energy, urgency and physicality. They know exactly how they want to play, both with and without the ball, and they press aggressively. The real test now is maintaining those intensity levels when opponents start to sit deep and try to neutralise them." West Ham United: The Championship's Leading Scorers West Ham's start was rocky – they failed to win any of their first three games – but they quickly turned things around, winning four consecutive matches before drawing 2‑2 away at Millwall. Their attacking output is the highest in the division, with 22 goals in eight games.
Sharp observed, "Everyone expected West Ham to bounce straight back to the Premier League. They have passionate supporters and a potent attack.
The draw at Millwall showed resilience, and the quality of players like Jarrod Bowen, Joel Piroe and others gives them a real edge." Hinchcliffe noted that while their defensive ranking is not as impressive, the attacking firepower cannot be ignored: "Konstantinos Mavropanos, a centre‑back, has already scored four goals. Bowen provides leadership, while Manor Solomon, Divine Mukasa and Piroe add flair. Their bench is strong enough that many of those players could start for most Championship sides, which is a huge advantage over a long season." Middlesbrough: A New‑Look Squad Chasing Play‑Off Spots Middlesbrough sit third, level on points with West Ham, and have benefited from the summer arrival of striker Will Lankshear, who has already netted six times. The club has reinvested the fees received for Hayden Hackney and Morgan Rogers to strengthen the squad, adding a new goalkeeper and depth across the pitch.
Sharp said, "If Lankshear reaches 20 goals, Middlesbrough will have a massive platform. They have enough quality to be in the top eight and challenge for the play‑offs. The Championship is stronger this season, with clubs like Southampton improving, but Middlesbrough should aim for a top‑eight finish." Wolverhampton Wanderers: Lopez Leads the Charge Wolves have collected 14 points after a 1‑0 win over West Brom, thanks to a decisive goal from Fer López.
The young Spaniard, back at Molineux after a summer return, has impressed with Premier League‑level performances. Hinchcliffe praised López, stating, "He looks like a top‑flight player and gives Wolves the attacking impetus they need. Andre (a holding midfielder) provides balance, allowing the forwards more freedom. The squad has several players capable of causing problems for any opponent." Sharp added, "Kieran Trippier brings experience and leadership, while Andre offers midfield stability.
With those types of players, Wolves have a solid platform to build on." Sheffield United: An Unsettled Start Under Chris Wilder Sheffield United have managed only two wins so far and have altered their formation three times this season, leaving fans uncertain about the starting XI and tactical approach. Sharp believes the club still has the potential to finish in the top eight if they can find consistency and belief. He highlighted the importance of Romelle Donovan, describing him as a match‑winner who could change games if given regular minutes. Despite recent disappointment, Sharp remains confident that Wilder can turn things around.
Wrexham: Depth and Versatility Wrexham recorded a convincing win over Southampton, their second victory of the campaign, after a heavy 6‑0 defeat at West Ham a week earlier. Manager Phil Parkinson has been rotating his squad heavily, trying to discover the optimal lineup. Hinchcliffe remarked, "Wrexham have the depth of essentially two Championship teams. The challenge for Parkinson is keeping everyone satisfied, as many quality players are not starting each week.
Their depth will be crucial over the long season." Sharp praised their recruitment, noting that Kieffer Moore, when fit, provides a valuable target man, and that the squad includes several finishers capable of altering results. He expects the new signings to settle within six to eight weeks, after which their quality will become evident. Burnley: A Disastrous Beginning for Nicky Hayen Burnley sit at the very bottom with just four points and no wins.
Sharp described their start as "slow" and highlighted the defensive frailties that have seen them concede the joint‑most goals in the division. The loss of Zian Flemming, who impressed against West Ham, was a significant blow. Hinchcliffe pointed out that constant changes have prevented the team from finding a settled eleven or a clear playing style. He warned that a lack of aggression both on and off the ball is unsustainable in the Championship, where teams must press high and avoid sitting deep.
Derby County: Missing Key Players Derby County, who narrowly missed the play‑offs last season, are now languishing in the bottom three, having only secured a late point at Burnley to avoid the very bottom. The departure of three core players – Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang and Matt Clarke – has left a noticeable void. Both analysts agreed that the loss of those experienced figures affects squad depth and morale. Sharp cautioned that simply waiting for the players to return will not be enough; Derby must find ways to create chances and tighten their defence without relying on the absent stars.
Overall, the early phase of the Championship has produced a fascinating mix of surprise leaders, attacking fireworks and struggling sides trying to find a foothold. As the international break gives managers a brief respite, fans can look forward to the next round of fixtures, where the teams discussed above will aim to build on their strengths, address their weaknesses, and keep the competition as unpredictable as ever.