Sunderland predicted line-up vs Birmingham City: Defensive reshuffle needed

Tony Mowbray has a Sunderland defence to patch up, so how is he going to do it?

Michael Graham | Nov 9, 2023

Sunderland predicted line-up vs Birmingham City: Defensive reshuffle needed /

Generally speaking, Sunderland have been able to keep a relatively settled side this season. That will change when Birmingham visit the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Until now, Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard have provided a settled centre-back partnership for Tony Mowbray, with them both starting every Championship game so far this season.

However, both picked up their fifth yellow card of the season in the goalless draw at Swansea and that means neither will be available to play against Wayne Rooney’s troops.

Tony Mowbray has appeared to rule out tactical changes to cover for their absences, so which line-up is he likely to pick? Here is our prediction.

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Sunderland predicted line-up vs Birmingham (4-1-4-1)

GK: Anthony Patterson

Patterson came to Sunderland’s rescue last week with his penalty save late in the first half sparring the blushes against ten-man Swansea. His position in the side is safe as houses, despite Nathan Bishop’s return to the squad.

RB: Trai Hume

One option for Mowbray would be to move Hume into the centre of defence. However, the Northern Irishman rotating into central midfield from right back has been a key feature of the Black Cats’ play this season so it would make sense to leave him where he is.

Trai Hume Sunderland defender — Trai Hume too good where he is to move? / IMAGO

CB: Jenson Seelt

Dutchman Seelt has been patiently awaiting his chance since his summer move from PSV and his moment appears to have come. Mowbray namechecked him while discussing his defensive plans this week, so he will get the nod ahead of Nectarios Triantis, who is not considered to be quite ready yet.

CB: Dennis Cirkin

Cirkin has struggled to get going this season due to injury, but he has made a return from the bench in recent games. He has played centre-back before and appears to be the simplest solution to the defensive dilemma facing Mowbray.

LB: Niall Huggins

Huggins is finally getting a run in the Sunderland team and there appears little reason to disrupt him, especially as he is on a high from a first international call up for Wales this week.

What a month, Niall 😍

👑 Presenting your Goal of the Month winner for October... #SAFC | @Niall_Huggins https://t.co/1t6YYeintK pic.twitter.com/TlSpIxop6m
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) November 8, 2023

DCM: Pierre Ekwah

Sunderland definitely feel light in central midfield this season in terms of numbers. Ekwah then is a crucial cog in the side, even if his form has dropped slightly since his leg injury.

RW: Patrick Roberts

Roberts’ final product has been frustratingly absent this season, and Abdoullah Ba is providing some serious competition right now. However, he remains a player Sunderland rely on for creativity.

CM: Dan Neil

Alongside Jack Clarke, Neil has been Sunderland’s most influential player this season. Mowbray has already said the academy product will captain the side in O’Nien’s absence.

Dan Neil - Sunderland — Dan Neil set to captain Sunderland / IMAGO

CM: Jobe Bellingham

Many have started to speculate that Jobe is looking tired of late, and it is an argument that appears valid. However, he will be been to make an impression against his former club so expect any planned rest to be postponed.

LW: Jack Clarke

It’s hard to imagine a Sunderland team without Jack Clarke right now, and we won’t see one against Birmingham.

CF: Nazariy Rusyn

The Ukrainian was taken off early in the second half against Swansea, although that was due to a silly booking he picked up for delaying the restart of play. He impressed in the previous game against Norwich and helped create opportunities with his running off the ball, so expect him to get another chance here.