3 Biggest Underperformers in the Championship, League One and League Two So Far

We are just three games in to the EFL Championship season and two in to the EFL League One and Two season. However, a number of clubs are already failing to live up to the high expectations placed upon them in pre-season. We take a look at the three EFL sides that are underperforming so far this season. 

Sheffield United – EFL Championship

Sheffield United have started the season in the worst possible fashion. Already out of the Carabao Cup, the Blades have yet to pick up a point in their opening two Championship games. A four-one thrashing at Bramall Lane on the opening day against a clinical Bristol City side meant alarm bells were ringing. A one-nil loss away to Swansea City ensued. 

The Blades had a change in the dugout over the summer, as the new owners sacked Chris Wilder and appointed Ruben Selles. Wilder’s side picked up 92 points last term, narrowly missing out on the automatics. Tommy Watson’s stoppage time winner at Wembley meant more play-off heartbreak for the red side of Sheffield. It came as a surprise then, when Selles, after being sacked by Hull City, replaced Wilder. 

Ruben Selles’ side currently sit rock bottom of the Championship, below rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the relegation zone. It’s still early days but it’s been a damaging start for Selles and the Blades. 

Plymouth Argyle – EFL League One

Plymouth have also started their league season off poorly. It’s been three games and three defeats for Tom Cleverley’s side. Cleverley was appointed in the summer after being unfairly sacked by Watford. The Englishman replaced Miron Muslic, who had left for German sleeping giant, Schalke 04. Muslic made a miraculous attempt to undo the damage left by Wayne Rooney. Argyle were relegated on the final day, however, since Muslic came in, they were a top 10 side. 

The Pilgrims were full of optimism going in to the new season. A fresh start and a chance to bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt. Signings such as Brendan Wiredu, Jamie Patterson, Caleb Watts, Xavier Amaechi and Bradley Ibrahim gave Plymouth fans hope of achieving this feat. Retaining Bali Mumba was also a massive boost in their quest for promotion. 

However, defeats to Barnsley, Bolton and Lincoln to start the season off have deflated the mood down in Devon. Cleverley and his side have got work to do if they want to be in and around the top two come May. 

Bristol Rovers – EFL League Two

Bristol Rovers came in to the season with high expectations. The vast majority of EFL pundits and fans had the Gas in the top three. And rightly so, with manager Darrell Clarke returning, and the likes of Alfie Kilgour, Luke Southwood and Jack Sparkes signing. The return of Kamil Conteh from injury also added fuel to the Rovers promotion train. 

However, the train has been delayed as the Gas have started the season off with three league defeats from three. Rovers have carried their dismal form from the second half of last season in to this. An opening day defeat at home to Harrogate showed a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. Defeats to Fleetwood and Chesterfield followed.