Sunderland vs Middlesbrough LIVE: Championship result, final score and reaction

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A general view of The 1st Central County Ground (Getty Images)

Follow live coverage as Sunderland face Middlesbrough in the Championship today.

English football's second tier is one of the most-watched leagues in Europe with a relentless fixture schedule and the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer combining to make it one of the most dramatic and exciting competitions in world football.

Burnley were relegated from the top tier in 2022 but return refreshed and hopeful of making it back and equally Watford no doubt enjoyed their time in the Premier League too and are also keen to return.

Norwich know what it takes to earn promotion from the Championship and will again be one of the favourites to do it again with one of the best squads in the division.

It isn't all about the battle for promotion, either, with Wigan, Rotherham and play-off winners Sunderland hoping their ascensions from League One aren't short-lived as they battle to avoid the drop at the bottom.

We will bring you all the action and updates from today's game in the live blog below:

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Abdoullah Ba (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing.

22 January 2023 13:49

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Jewison Bennette (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing.

22 January 2023 13:48

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Attempt missed. Ross Stewart (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Assisted by Édouard Michut.

22 January 2023 13:45

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

22 January 2023 13:43

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Substitution, Middlesbrough. Duncan Watmore replaces Riley McGree.

22 January 2023 13:43

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Substitution, Sunderland. Abdoullah Ba replaces Patrick Roberts.

22 January 2023 13:42

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Substitution, Sunderland. Jewison Bennette replaces Jack Clarke.

22 January 2023 13:41

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

22 January 2023 13:41

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Goal! Sunderland 2, Middlesbrough 0. Amad Diallo (Sunderland) left footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Patrick Roberts.

22 January 2023 13:41

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Attempt missed. Tommy Smith (Middlesbrough) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right following a corner.

22 January 2023 13:39