Swansea City have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season under the stewardship of manager Steve Cooper, with the Swans recording five wins, one draw and one loss in their first seven games this season, yielding an impressive points return of 16 from a possible 21 available. 

The Swans have so far operated this season in an expansive 4-2-3-1 formation, which has allowed Cooper to utilise his side's obvious attacking talents in the form of striker Borja Baston, and attacking midfielders Andre Ayew, Bersant Celina and George Byers.

This is an approach that has proved to be a great success for the South Wales outfit so far, with Cooper's side scoring 12 goals so far this term, making them one of the most prolific sides in the division.

Aside from their goal scoring prowess, we took a look at THREE trends that show Swansea could be serious promotion contenders this season...

Good at protecting a lead

So far this season Swansea have shown their strength at preserving their lead once they have gone ahead in games, with the Swans having seen out five of their seven games with a win when taking the lead - a trait that will serve them in good stead if they are to maintain their current form.

This quality will be crucial in weeks to come for Swansea, with tough away fixtures against fellow high-flyers Bristol City and Charlton Athletic. It will be best for Cooper's side to approach both games with caution and aim to take the lead and then preserve it as they have done on so many occasions so far this season.

Strong backline 

Steve Cooper has got his charges operating a very tight ship across the Swans backline, with his back four of Roberts, Van der Hoorn, Rodon and Bidwell only conceding five goals in their first seven games this season.

This is a run that the manager will be keen to continue this season, with teams that tend to concede the least goals going on to to finish highest in the Championship during the recent 2017/2018 season, which Cardiff and Wolves got promoted after only conceding 39 goals each.

Goals spread throughout the team

So far this season Swansea have had 10 different goalscorers in all competitions, which will be a good sign for Steve Cooper, with goals being spread throughout the team casting aside claims that the Swans could become to over reliant on the goals provided by striker Borja Baston.

And it has not only been the midfield and forwards who have contributed, with defenders Kyle Naughton and Mike van der Hoorn both contributing at the top end of the field this season, showing that the Swans can get goals from all areas of the pitch.

That is a trend that was a big factor in last season's champions Sheffield United's run to the league title, with the Blades having 16 different scorers over the course of their promotion campaign.