We have hit the bumper international break and there has been plenty to talk about in the Championship so far. Swansea City are the surprise leaders after eight games, while West Ham are in second with Middlesbrough and Wolves not too far behind. At the other end are Burnley, still without a win and rooted to the bottom of the table on just four points.
On the latest Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast, Billy Sharp and Andy Hinchcliffe look at all the big talking points from the opening part of the Championship season. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Five wins, two draws and just a sole defeat coming at Southampton so far for Vitor Matos' side. Swansea have won admirers for their high-press, energetic style and their ruthlessness at the back - conceding just six goals so far.
Billy Sharp: "Their pressing reminds me a little bit of Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds. They are trying to win the ball back quickly and then attack you. They are top of the league and they are scoring goals.
They have got a lot of confidence and they have got some kind fixtures coming up, so they will be looking to keep that momentum going." Andy Hinchcliffe: "They have got the best defence in the league. They have got energy, urgency and they press teams. There is a real physicality to them as well.
"What I like is that they have got a clear identity. They know how they want to play and they are aggressive with and without the ball. "When you are top of the league, there is an expectation that comes with it.
The challenge is maintaining those energy levels because teams are going to come and sit in against you and make it difficult." It was a tricky start for West Ham as they went winless in their first three. But they went on to win their next four, before battling back at Millwall to earn a 2-2 draw last Saturday. They are by far and away the top scorers in the Championship, with 22 goals in their first eight games.
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