(The FA via Getty Images)
Follow live coverage as Southampton face Birmingham City 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.
Last year Southampton, Leicester City and Leeds United were relegated from the top flight and all are hopeful of making a quick return – but the likes of Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland all have real promotion ambitions too.
At the other end of the table, QPR, Cardiff City and Birmingham City will hope for better campaigns than last year’s relegation struggle – while newcomers Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to survive after dramatic progress through the play-offs.
Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Match ends, Southampton 3, Birmingham City 1.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Second Half ends, Southampton 3, Birmingham City 1.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Samuel Edozie (Southampton) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Marc Roberts.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Attempt missed. Scott Hogan (Birmingham City) right footed shot from the left side of the box.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Jordan James (Birmingham City) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Joe Aribo (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Attempt missed. Ryan Fraser (Southampton) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Southampton vs Birmingham City
Offside, Southampton. Adam Armstrong tries a through ball, but Ryan Fraser is caught offside.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
