Follow live coverage as Southampton face Birmingham City in the Championship today.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
At the other end of the table, QPR, Cardiff City and Birmingham City will hope for better campaigns than last year\u2019s relegation struggle – while newcomers Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to survive after dramatic progress through the play-offs.<\/p>\n
Follow live updates from today\u2019s game in the live blog below.<\/p>\n
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.<\/p>\n
Follow live football coverage with The Independent today.<\/p>\n
Whether it’s Premier League, Champions League, a European Championship or the World Cup we will keep you up to date with everything you need to know.<\/p>\n
We will have all the latest scores, goals and updates plus analysis and reaction throughout the game here.<\/p>\n