Sunderland probably heaved a sigh of relief when they managed to offload one of their highest earners, Jack Rodwell, in the summer as they adjusted to life in the third tier.

But they have to thank him for encouraging Jerome Sinclair to drop two divisions.

The story goes that Rodwell encouraged the Watford man to move to Wearside when he was on trial with the Hornets this summer.

There's been a lot of talk about National League newcomers Salford City this summer, with many people predicting they'll be an EFL club next season.

The Ammies have gone in front in their season opener against Leyton Orient with a goal early in the second half from Rory Gaffney.

Jerome Sinclair makes an immediate impact as he wins an early free-kick as he latches on to George Honeyman's slipped ball, but he's fouled 30 yards from goal.

Again, though, it's an innocuous set-piece from Sunderland and Charlton clear it with ease.

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport at the Stadium of Light

Life in the third tier was expected to be a bit different for Sunderland on the back of a relegation-inspired overhaul this summer but there’s a familiar feel to the scoreline.

Some of the old tension and anxiety remains but there’s far less poison.

None of that should take away from a phenomenal job done by Lee Bowyer’s Addicks, who have put any off-field issues and a devastating string of injuries to one side and impressed greatly.

Charlton fan George Lapslie has been a ball of energy and the front two have been excellent. Lyle Taylor and Karlan Grant have the pace to really trouble.

We're back under way, and Sunderland's Jerome Sinclair is on to replace Luke O'Nien.

It looks like Jack Ross has gone all Antonio Conte and switched to a back three, which might open things up a little.

He favoured a 4-3-3 in Scotland with St Mirren, but they need more options going forward.

And a back three gave England just a little bit of success this summer.

See 13:28 entry... not quite an exact quote, but a good-enough paraphrase.

Dollar Bill: Sunderland might be going down to League Two after this season, no sign of improvement.

Rick: Charlton look set to score a couple more here, not the start Sunderland fans wanted for this season.

Harry Redman: Disappointing start for Sunderland, but confident that we will kick on under Jack Ross as the season goes on. Still early days.

Play is about to resume at the Stadium of Light with Charlton leading Sunderland 1-0. Stay with us for second-half updates.

A new season means new signings and new autographs to collect for supporters who are into that sort of thing.

Here, Andreas Weimann does the honours at Ashton Gate after his summer move from Derby to Bristol City.

Image source, Rex Features

If you're heading to a game today, I guarantee you'll hear someone else say the following three words...

"Pitch looks nice..."

The sun is beating down at The Hawthorns, where West Bromwich Albion will be hosting Bolton in one of our featured Championship matches at 15:00 BST.

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Thoughts on that first half?

Want to predict how your team will fare in the EFL this season?

Get in touch using #bbcefl on social media.

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A well-taken penalty from Lyle Taylor is the difference as Charlton begin the season with the same sense of purpose that saw them make the play-offs last season...

... But it's the same old sinking feeling for Sunderland.

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Oh, the tables are turning here and Sunderland go close!

Chris Maguire's cross-shot falls to Josh Maja on the edge of the six yard box, but he delays and Dillion Phillips reels the ball in to clear.

That would have been an almost certain goal if Maja had shot earlier and fired across the box.

Chris Maguire has swapped sides with Lynden Gooch and Sunderland's fluid front three are beginning to find a rhythm.

Maguire's creation wins a corner and the set-piece routine is original, aided by slack Charlton marking.

Glenn Loovens redirects the cross for Alim Ozturk at the back post, but his volley misses the target.

Three added minutes.

BBC Radio 5 live

Remember, you can follow EFL previews and updates on BBC Radio 5 live this afternoon.

Bryan Oviedo is a man on a mission here.

He rampages into the Charlton box and lets rip from a... Well... Literally from 180 degrees.

He shoots in a straight line and it cannons predictably across the box and out.

He's toiling, but Sunderland need a calm head to wrest control of this game.

Sunderland substitute Bryan Oviedo strikes hopefully from 40 yards, but it really is hopeful.

Dillon Phillips catches it smoothly - but his joy is short-lived as team mate Jason Pearce picks up an unnecessary yellow.

Here are some of your comments on our Championship predictions...

Robbo 1980: I think Middlesbrough will struggle this year and I think we'll end up mid-table. Can see us going the same way as we did when Strachan was in charge, been a very disappointing pre-season for us so far. Can see Leeds, Villa, Stoke, and Sheff Utd all doing quite well.

AlrightCha: Preston not even a mention for a surprise package, have flirted with play-offs the last two seasons and look to have added some good players over the summer! Think some of the journos only see the bright lights!!

Britmick: I seem to remember these same so-called experts did predictions and that the majority of them for last season were incorrect. I will look forward to seeing at the end of this season how many get it right, and stand by their own predictions.

No harm in being wrong every once in a while, Britmick. We had Millwall to go down last season and they almost made the play-offs! Remember, it's just a bit of fun!

Lewis Page's audacious run peels open the Sunderland midfield, and Jack Ross' side hand over a free-kick from 30 yards.

Mark Marshall takes it, but Jon McLaughlin - the pick of the bunch for the Black Cats today - claims it confidently.

You could argue it's worth remembering there are five debutants in Sunderland's starting XI, and that Donald Love's early departure can't have helped - but you can't really deny that this has hardly been the auspicious start their fans would have been hoping for.

A teasing ball to the far post finds Lyle Taylor, but he attacks it at an awkward angle and can't quite reach it.

He's looked really impressive today in a Charlton team that, as we've been discussing, will have surprised a few people this morning.

He's linked up so well with Karlan Grant. That pair will be haunting a few Sunderland nightmares tonight.

Lewis Page picks up a yellow for a foul on Lynden Gooch.

It's the second heavy challenge between the two - and maybe that avenue will creep open now Page is on a booking.

Nothing comes from the free-kick, though - it's a decent delivery, but there are few options.

Lyle Taylor's early penalty is still the difference.

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