Follow live coverage as Sunderland face Sheffield United in the Championship today.
An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.
Relegation from the top flight last term means Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United are all back in the second tier this term and will be expected to push for play-off spots again at least, but so too will Norwich City, an improving Coventry and beaten play-off finalists Leeds United. At the other end of the table, Wayne Rooney is aiming to revive Plymouth’s fortunes after they narrowly avoided relegation last year, with Portsmouth and Derby the teams promoted from League One along with play-off final winners Oxford.
Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Match ends, Sunderland 2, Sheffield United 1.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Second Half ends, Sunderland 2, Sheffield United 1.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Delay in match because of an injury Anthony Patterson (Sunderland).
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Substitution, Sunderland. Nazariy Rusyn replaces Wilson Isidor.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Corner, Sheffield United. Conceded by Wilson Isidor.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Attempt blocked. Tom Davies (Sheffield United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Gustavo Hamer.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Attempt blocked. Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United) right footed shot from very close range is blocked.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Attempt blocked. Anel Ahmedhodzic (Sheffield United) header from very close range is blocked.
