It’s worth us mentioning that Sheffield Wednesday were strong at home in 2022-23.

And yes I know it was a different league, with different players and different blades of grass (probably at least).

But the Owls only lost once at Hillsborough last season.

And they scored 49 goals and conceded just 16 on home turf.

Goalscorer Lee Gregory is coming off and some younger fresh legs are coming on.

22-year-old Dutch winger Anthony Musaba - who only signed yesterday - comes off the subs bench.

Really good defending from Sheffield Wednesday at the moment.

The hosts are putting in challenges all over the pitch.

A sixth yellow is shown.

Southampton's Nathan Tella gets tangled up with a Wednesday player in midfield and is booked.

What's that you say, more stats? Our team here at BBC Sport have unearthed some absolute golden nuggets for you at half time.

Try these ones on for size ....

Southampton haven't won a competitive game since the clocks went forward.

And... Saints completed 477 passes in the first half, which is a new Championship record.

Don't say we don't spoil you.

Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz is down on the edge of the Sheffield Wednesday box.

He was on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Wednesday's Tyreeq Bakinson, who is also a little shaken up.

But both players are now back on their feet.

Wednesday have looked full of energy in this second half.

They look much better coming forward, in possession and defending.

Jo Tessem
Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent

This is the Championship. This is how it is. You have got to get used to this. You have to defend and make sure you don't concede these sort of goals.

This is the sort of thing that's going to happen in the Championship.

Image source, Rex Features

Andy from Pontypool: I have driven to Leigh to stay with my parents and be at the Bolton v Lincoln game. Come on Wanderers.

Anon: I will be following the mighty Lilywhites of Preston North End from a beach in Mexico. Arriiibbba!

Tom, Sheffield: My wife's a Southampton fan and I'm a Newcastle exile/conscientious objector so we're strapped in for a cracking season with the EFL. Enjoying a great evening so far - and hoping Saints can get the job done!

Simon: I work a lot of Saturdays in my mental health job. To make sure I can follow the football on a Saturday afternoon I've changed some of the service user support times without telling any of the managers. Shhhhhhh!

Use #bbcefl, text 81111 (UK only - standard message rates apply) or WhatsApp on 03301231826

Jo Tessem
Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent

Set-pieces are going to be so important for Saints this season. Teams that might not be the best teams are still going to be dangerous from set-pieces.

That's what Southampton will have to deal with this season. They dealt with it well there.

A dangerous backpass from a Southampton defender to Gavin Bazunu is chased down by Wednesday's Lee Gregory, who gets close but the Saints keeper is able to clear with a sliding effort on the edge of his own box.

Ooof Wednesday send a dangerous ball towards the back post but Saints clear for a corner.

A feisty start from the hosts.

We are back under way.

Half-time oranges have been munched and washed down with energy drinks.

Let's go!

Harry: Xisco has been in charge for 30 days. He’s made five signings as well as a loanee. It was always going to be a difficult start, though there are some encouraging signs. Fitness may have to improve in the near future as we look a yard off the pace, though not too bad.

Lindsay, Ayrshire Owl: Parachute payments make a HUGE difference. Soton odds-on for automatic. Wednesday in chaos after the summer. This is a no-brainer away win. But don't write the Owls off. They've hired a canny manager and they'll improve.

Andrew, Portsmouth: Saints fan undercover in a Pompey pub pretending to support Sheff Wed. Saints might keep hold of some of their players if they start winning regularly. Something they haven't experienced in a long time.

Wow - you're a braver man than me, Andrew!

Image source, Rex Features

It's been another busy off-season for the 72 clubs below the Premier League.

Thirteen teams go into the 2023-24 campaign with a new man in charge.

How much have you been paying attention during the break? Give our quiz a go by clicking here.

And don't forget to let us know how you did using #bbcefl on social media - no cheating!

Let us know how you will be following your team on this EFL opening weekend.

Have you cleared the diary so you can enjoy all the action? Have you done the weekly food shop in advance and loaded up on drinks and snacks? Are your friends coming over? Are you hosting a pre-season FIFA tournament (or Sensible Soccer if you're running a vintage console)?

Whatever you're up to... get in touch.

Image source, Rex Features

Before kick-off both sets of players, and fans, held a minute's applause in memory of former Sheffield Wednesday players Trevor Francis and Chris Bart-Williams - who both passed away last month.

Former England forward Trevor Francis became Britain's first £1m footballer when he moved from Birmingham City to Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest in 1979.

Bart-Williams joined the Owls in 1991 and made more than 100 appearances for the club.

Jo Tessem
Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent

At some point in the second half Sheffield Wednesday will have to push up on Southampton, with the scoreline as it is, but of course that will just lead to more openings.

Southampton are in a good position.

Shaun: Wednesday look out of their depth so far. Southampton are cruising without breaking a sweat. Could be a long season for the Owls if nothing changes.

Luke in Leicester: Interesting to see Southampton style of play here, I think Leicester and Southampton will have similar playing styles.