Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers LIVE: Championship result, final score and reaction

Follow all the action from St. Mary's Stadium

(The FA via Getty Images)

Follow live coverage as Southampton face Blackburn Rovers 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 Blackburn Rovers

Will Smallbone (Southampton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

16 December 2023 16:26

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Foul by Will Smallbone (Southampton).

16 December 2023 16:26

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Substitution, Southampton. Jack Stephens replaces Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

16 December 2023 16:25

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Substitution, Southampton. Shea Charles replaces Flynn Downes.

16 December 2023 16:25

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Substitution, Southampton. Ryan Fraser replaces Samuel Edozie.

16 December 2023 16:24

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Goal! Southampton 2, Blackburn Rovers 0. Stuart Armstrong (Southampton) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Flynn Downes.

16 December 2023 16:23

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Attempt saved. Harry Leonard (Blackburn Rovers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by James Hill.

16 December 2023 16:22

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Foul by Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton).

16 December 2023 16:20

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Offside, Southampton. Adam Armstrong is caught offside.

16 December 2023 16:19

Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers

Substitution, Blackburn Rovers. Harry Leonard replaces Sondre Tronstad.

16 December 2023 16:17