The second round of Championship fixtures were overshadowed somewhat by the start of the Premier League season, but provided plenty of drama nonetheless. Here, FantasySports.co.uk takes its weekly look at the Championship and provides its ‘five things’ to take from it :
Wolves make statement to rest of Division
Although Wolves are one of four teams boasting a 100% record (Cardiff, Nottm Forest and Ipswich being the others), none have had a harder start than the Molineux outfit, having Middlesbrough and Derby in their first two games, winning both and conceding zero goals. Wolves spent big over the summer after a hugely disappointing 2016/17 campaign, and it seems so far to have worked out very nicely. The bookies now make Wolves favourites to win the league and on the basis of the first two games, it seems a fair representation.
Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Fulham, Derby, Reading, Brentford, Norwich….all teams pre season that were fancied to go well and head the division….yet they don’t have a win, as yet, between them. It is very early days yet, but as several clubs found out last season, a slow start can hurt come the business end of the season as ground cannot easily be made up in such a competitive league as the Championship.
It could be a long season for Burton & Barnsley
Three teams have zero points from two games – Brentford, Burton and Barnsley. Brentford are expected to recover, but there are very worrying signs already for the other two clubs. Each have conceded five goals, only scored three between them, and, certainly in Burton’s case have already lost key players to injury and suspension. These teams were expected to be in the relegation dogfight – there are already signs they could get cut adrift well before that if results don’t improve soon. Which could be easier said than done, with Middlesbrough (A) up next for Burton, and high flying Forest (H) for Barnsley.
Goals still at a premium
Although there were a few more goals on show over the weekend, the Championship games are still only providing a fraction over 2 goals per game – the Premier League is already more than a goal per game up on its second tier league rival with less teams in it. Five teams again failed to score this weekend, with eleven further teams only scoring once.
Championship madness about to kick in
This week sees the first full round of midweek Championship games – meaning teams will all be playing three games within seven days. This happens countless times throughout the season and is where the madness that is the Championship really hits home. Throw in three domestic Cup competitions, teams find themselves playing twice a week for many a week of the season. There is no division quite like it, considering the prize that is at stake.
Join us next week for the latest review and things to take from the Championship – and if you’re a fan of a Championship club, why not comment or express your thoughts here
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