Swansea top Championship as West Ham lead scoring charts and Burnley slide to bottom
Swansea set surprise standard
Swansea City are the surprise leaders of the Championship after eight games, with five wins, two draws and just a single defeat at Southampton under Vitor Matos.
The Swans have won admirers for their high-press, energetic style and ruthlessness at the back, conceding just six goals so far.
Billy Sharp said: "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 have got belief. 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 added: "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."
West Ham's attacking firepower
West Ham were winless in their first three games but have since won four in a row before battling back at Millwall for a 2-2 draw last Saturday.
The Hammers are by far the top scorers in the Championship with 22 goals in eight games.
Sharp: "West Ham were expected to go straight back up. They have got passionate fans and a lot of attacking power."
"The comeback at Millwall showed a lot of resilience. You look at the players they have got, Jarrod Bowen, Joel Piroe and the attacking players, and there is a lot of quality there."
Hinchcliffe highlighted the depth: "Their defensive ranking is not as good, but you cannot ignore the attacking firepower they have got."
"They have got players who can win you games. Konstantinos Mavropanos has scored four goals as a centre-back, Bowen's leadership, Manor Solomon, Divine Mukasa and Piroe. They have got so much attacking talent."
Middlesbrough and Wolves in the hunt
Middlesbrough head into the international break third, level on points with West Ham. Summer signing Will Lankshear has scored six times.
Hinchcliffe: "They have invested heavily and they have got some really good players. The money they got for Hayden Hackney and Morgan Rogers has allowed them to build again."
Sharp believes Lankshear is key: "If he gets 20 goals, that gives Middlesbrough a massive platform."
Wolves have taken 14 points after a 1-0 win over West Brom on Sunday, with Fer Lopez scoring the winner. The young Spaniard is back at Molineux and has been exceptional.
Hinchcliffe: "Lopez looks like a Premier League-level player. There is a real quality about him and the way Wolves want to attack."
Sharp added: "He is a big player for them. He has got quality and can make things happen. Kieran Trippier gives them experience and leadership, while Andre gives them balance in midfield."
Sheffield United, Wrexham and Burnley concerns
Sheffield United have just two wins so far this season under Chris Wilder, having changed formation three times.
Sharp: "They have not found consistency. They have got the players and they have got enough strength in the squad, but there are a lot of changes."
"Romelle Donovan needs to be playing. He is a match-winner. He can certainly change a game."
Wrexham beat Southampton 2-0 on Saturday, just their second win of the season, after a 6-0 loss at West Ham the week before. Phil Parkinson has chopped and changed as he searches for a best XI.
Hinchcliffe: "Wrexham have got an incredible amount of depth. They have virtually got two Championship teams."
Sharp noted: "Their recruitment has been excellent. Kieffer Moore should play when he is fit because of what he gives them."
Burnley remain bottom of the Championship with four points from eight games and no wins so far for Nicky Hayen.