The English Football League (EFL) has kicked off its 2026-27 season with several standout moments, including strong early performances from teams like Swansea City, Queens Park Rangers (QPR), and Charlton Athletic in the Championship. These three teams are currently leading the league table after four games, with each showing promising form. Charlton is enjoying its best start to a second-tier season in 34 years, while QPR has their strongest opening since the 2013-14 season. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough is set to face QPR in a match expected to be a tough challenge for the latter. Swansea will host Wrexham in a match that has taken on a derby-like feel, despite the teams being more than 100 miles apart. Wrexham, who were promoted to the Championship in 2025, are looking to build on their recent 3-0 win over Millwall. In another local derby, Preston North End will face Blackburn Rovers, with Blackburn hoping to end a four-match losing streak. The match between Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) will be their first meeting in eight years, with Wolves aiming to replicate their 2017-18 double over Birmingham. West Ham United’s return to the Championship for the first time in 14 years has not gone smoothly, but they managed to secure their first league win against Wolves. Ownership issues have also been a topic of discussion, with Daniel Kretinsky increasing his stake in West Ham to 46%. Similarly, Derby County has faced challenges with ownership, as Turki Alalshikh withdrew his proposed takeover of the club. Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough United will meet for the first time since the memorable 2023 League One play-off semi-final, where Sheffield Wednesday staged a remarkable comeback from 4-0 down. Although none of Peterborough’s current players were involved in that match, three of Sheffield Wednesday’s players who were part of the comeback could be on the field this weekend. Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers have been on a strong run under manager Steve Evans, who took charge in December 2025. The team has won 14 of their past 18 league games and is aiming for promotion. This weekend, they will face Rotherham United, a club where Evans previously achieved back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.