Leeds United and Sheffield United share impressive trait that Burnley don't | OneFootball

The Yorkshire duo already have one over on their promotion rivals, with their form on the road proving them to be unflappable

As we head into the international break, it gives us the perfect chance to take stock of the start of the Championship campaign, with the table starting to take shape after nine matches completed.

While it is Sunderland who sit top of the tree, Sheffield United are the side to have picked up the most points, although they sit level with the Black Cats on 19 due to their two-point deduction due to financial irregularities.

The Blades’ fellow relegated Premier League side Burnley sit a point behind in third, while West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United and Watford make up the top six at this early juncture.

With just three points separating the sextet, it proves just how tight the race for promotion will be this season, with form both at home and away proving to be vital, and both Leeds and Sheffield United will be delighted with their early showings on the road, with both yet to taste defeat.

Leeds United, Sheffield United early season away form

Sheffield United remain the only unbeaten side in the second tier as we head into the fortnight’s hiatus, with Chris Wilder’s side winning six and drawing three of their opening nine matches of the season.

In fact, the Blades haven’t even conceded a goal in any of their last six outings, with new signing Michael Cooper immediately proving his worth between the sticks, with a solid backline keeping him well protected.

That staunch ability to defend their net has put the Steel City outfit in a great position at this point in the season, with two wins and two draws on the road.

Both Norwich City and Portsmouth have earned a point against United, while Preston North End and Hull City have been humbled in front of their own fans, with both matches ending in 2-0 victories for the travelling Blades.

It has been a similar story for Leeds, who have played one more game on their travels than their Yorkshire rivals, with two wins and three draws to their name so far.

West Brom, Norwich and Sunderland have all held Daniel Farke’s side in the current campaign, although last weekend’s 2-2 clash with the Black Cats will still ruffle some feathers among the Whites’ fanbase, with Illan Meslier’s howler throwing away two points in the most dramatic of fashions.

Lowly Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday have also been despatched, with United’s only defeat of the season coming in front of their own fans against Burnley, with Luca Koleosho’s goal deciding the affair.

Burnley suffer Sunderland defeat as away form suffers

With Leeds and Sheffield United both likely to be competing for automatic promotion alongside the Clarets this season, form on the road is going to be massive in terms of who is going to get themselves over the line come May.

Burnley have already tasted defeat once this season on their travels, with a trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland ending in a 1-0 defeat, with Romaine Mundle grabbing the only goal of the game.

On the flip side, Elland Road and Kenilworth Road have been happy hunting grounds for the Lancashire outfit this season, while last month’s trip to Oxford United ended up goalless.

With four of their next five matches coming away from their own fans, the Clarets know they will have to be on top of their game to keep their promotion credentials on track in the coming weeks, with the lengthy run on the road ending with a trip to the Hawthorns to face West Brom.

With away form proving so fundamental in a promotion campaign, there will be plenty of eyes on Scott Parker’s side in the coming weeks, to see if they can produce the goods away from Turf Moor on a regular basis and keep pace with the leading pack.