The trio, like all of their second-tier rivals, have their own style of play, but how much of that involves long passes?
We’ve looked at how many long passes each Championship club has played during the 2020/21 season so far to determine the ‘most direct’ teams.
Scroll through our gallery to discover which teams hit the most – and least – long passes, ranked from highest to lowest:
1. 1st - Preston North End - 1896
Preston have played the most long passes in the Championship, averaging 58.44 every 90 minutes. Photo: Naomi Baker
2. 2nd - Barnsley - 1833
The Tykes have hit 1833 long passes so far, an average of 58.94 per 90 minutes. Photo: George Wood
3. 3rd - Stoke City - 1732
Michael O’Neill’s side have played 1732 long passes this season, an average of 53.26 per 90 minutes. Photo: Lewis Storey
4. 4th - Blackburn Rovers - 1709
Rovers have hit 1709 long passes so far, averaging at 54.29 per 90 minutes. Photo: Lewis Storey