Click here to watch Boro v Sheff Utd Live!

                         

The 2009-10 Coca Cola Championship season kicks off on Friday with Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough taking on Kevin Blackwell's Sheffield United at the Riverside. Watch Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United live with the Live Sport Network, the best place on the internet for Coca Cola Championship streams.

Boro were relegated from the Premier League last season after some very ordinary performances. Star winger Stewart Downing has left for Aston Villa in a £12m deal, but that may turn out to be a blessing in disguise as it will allow the talented Adam Johnson to come into his own. Egyptian striker Mido has left on a season long loan to Zamalek. Sanli Tuncay and Afonso Alves are set to follow him on the way out of Riverside.

Gareth Southgate has some very talented players at his disposal, which is why bookies have installed Boro as one of the favourites for the title. He's got the likes of Marvin Emnes, David Wheater and Jeremie Aliadiere in his squad. Mark Yeates, Danny Coyne and Leroy Lita are the three new signings made by Southgate this season.

Sheff Utd came mighty close to promotion last season, but lost in the playoff final to Burnley. Blades boss Kevin Blackwell has signed Ched Evans in a £3m deal from Man City, and he may flourish at Bramall Lane with regular first team football under his belt.

The defence looks a bit thin with the loss to Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton to Tottenham, although Walker has returned to the club on loan. Veterans Ugo Ehiogu and Sun Jihai have been released by the club.

Sheffield United were beaten 1-0 by Birmingham City, another relegated Premier League side, in the Championship curtain raiser a season ago. Will they suffer a similar fate against Boro? Watch Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United live to find out.