Flying Swans, West Ham firepower & Burnley misery – Championship talking points

The Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast panel of Billy Sharp and Andy Hinchcliffe reviewed the opening stage of the Championship season heading into the international break. Swansea City unexpectedly lead the table after eight games under manager Vitor Matos, recording five wins, two draws, and one defeat while conceding just six goals. West Ham sit in second place, with Middlesbrough and Wolves trailing closely behind.

Pundits Sharp and Hinchcliffe praised Swansea's aggressive pressing and defensive solidity, with Sharp comparing their energetic style to Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds. Meanwhile, Burnley remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship standings without a single victory, earning just four points across their opening eight matches.