The Championship has paused for a near three-week international break following a 37-day opening period. The initial eight-game block of the 46-game campaign has revealed a tight contest at the top, with only seven points separating the leading 15 teams.
Swansea currently lead the league with 17 points. However, historical data since 2004 shows that only two of the six previous teams with 17 points at this stage went on to win promotion, suggesting a wide-open season.
Goals have been abundant, with 277 scored so far, marking the second-highest tally at this stage since the Championship's rebrand in 2004-05. This surge is attributed to more direct play and quality from the flanks, with 47 goals coming from crosses and 44 of those from headers.
Burnley, under manager Nicky Hayen, are currently at the bottom of the table with four points and no wins from their first eight games. No side has ever been promoted from the Championship after failing to win any of their opening eight fixtures.
In the Golden Boot race, Saints striker Cyle Larin leads with seven goals in eight appearances. West Ham, pre-season promotion favourites, have recovered from a slow start to sit in second place, with their 22 goals in eight games being the most in 93 years.