Sunderland vs Stoke City LIVE: Championship latest score, goals and updates from fixture

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

Follow live coverage as Sunderland face Stoke City 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 Stoke City

Goal! Sunderland 1, Stoke City 5. Dwight Gayle (Stoke City) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by William Smallbone with a cross following a set piece situation.

4 March 2023 16:37

Sunderland vs Stoke City

Foul by Édouard Michut (Sunderland).

4 March 2023 16:36

Sunderland vs Stoke City

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

4 March 2023 16:33

Sunderland vs Stoke City

Delay in match because of an injury Ki-Jana Hoever (Stoke City).

4 March 2023 16:33

Sunderland vs Stoke City

Attempt saved. Luke O'Nien (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.

4 March 2023 16:32

Sunderland vs Stoke City

4 March 2023 16:32

Sunderland vs Stoke City

4 March 2023 16:30

Sunderland vs Stoke City

Goal! Sunderland 1, Stoke City 4. Dwight Gayle (Stoke City) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal following a corner.

4 March 2023 16:29

Sunderland vs Stoke City

Attempt saved. Morgan Fox (Stoke City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Jacob Brown with a headed pass.

4 March 2023 16:29

Sunderland vs Stoke City

Corner, Stoke City. Conceded by Dan Ballard.

4 March 2023 16:28