Sunderland predicted line-up vs Birmingham City: Mowbray to make three changes

How might Sunderland line-up when they entertain Birmingham in the Championship?

Tony Mowbray will likely once again rotate his squad on Saturday as Sunderland take on Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light.

Mowbray made four changes at Cardiff last Monday following Sunderland's 4-4 draw with Hull on Good Friday.

Sunderland remain four points off the play-offs after the 1-0 win in South Wales. Five games remain for the black cats who are looking for a late push into the play-offs.

The Black Cats will be looking to close the gap to the play-off spots to one point when they take on 17th place Birmingham - a team Sunderland have already beaten this season.

Luke O'Nien looks set to return to the squad after missing the trip to Cardiff due to his partner being due to give birth.

Patrick Roberts, Edouard Michut and Joe Gelhardt all rotated out of the line-up due to playing two games in four days and will be pushing for recalls against the Blues. 

Sunderland predicted line-up vs Birmingham City (4-2-3-1)

How Sunderland could line up against Birmingham?

GK: Anthony Patterson - Will be looking for his 14th clean sheet of the season on Saturday.

RB: Trai Hume - Has developed over the season in to one of the Championship's best right backs.

CB: Danny Batth - Sunderland's unsung player of the season with 37 starts.

CB: Luke O'Nien - Missed the game at Cardiff due to personal reasons but could return against Birmingham.

LB: Dennis Cirkin - Returned to the starting line-up with a goal against Cardiff.

CM: Pierre Ekwah - Responded excellently against Cardiff after conceding a penalty days before against Hull.

CM: Dan Neil - Approaching his 100th senior appearance for his boyhood club.

RM: Patrick Roberts - Rotated out the starting XI last Monday but should return here.

AM: Amad Diallo - Deservedly nominated for young player of the season during the week.

LM: Jack Clarke - His first full season as a Sunderland player has been a successful one with 10 goals and nine assists in all competitions.

ST: Joe Gelhardt - Like Roberts rotated out of the side of the Easter period but will be looking for back to back home games with a goal.

---

Read more Sunderland news

• Ten players you probably forgot played for Sunderland in League One
• Former Sunderland defender earns fresh start at Wycombe Wanderers
• Charlie Methven Charlton takeover off with former Sunderland owner blasted over his conduct
• Tony Mowbray: 'I don’t want to keep repeating this but the Sunderland fans are amazing'
• FEATURE: 15 random former Sunderland players you probably didn't know still work in football
• Former fan favourite back at Sunderland to help develop new hero
• Best Sunderland defensive partnerships: How do Dan Ballard and Danny Batth compare?