Sunderland contest our final game of the Sky Bet Championship campaign before its hiatus for the World Cup, with a Friday night showdown with Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s (KO 8pm).
Despite Birmingham sitting seven places above the 17th-placed Lads in the Championship table, only four points separate the two sides with the Blues having played an additional game. Victory would send Tony Mowbray’s men back into the division’s top half.
Team news
Head Coach Mowbray confirmed during Thursday afternoon’s press conference that Niall Huggins will be making the trip to the Second City, having progressed in the U21 side upon his return from an injury layoff of over a year.
Ross Stewart, Dan Ballard, Aji Alese and Lynden Gooch are all set to return after the World Cup break.
Opposition
Birmingham City’s late point secured against Swansea City on Tuesday night ensure they head into Friday night’s encounter in 10th spot. John Eustace’s side have won and drawn seven apiece so far this season, losing six. Based on goals conceded per game, only Preston North End boast a superior defensive record – former Sunderland loanee Dion Sanderson has been a regular in their rear-guard so far this campaign.
The Blues are one of the longest-serving clubs in the Championship, having operated at this level since their relegation from the Premier League in 2011. This was the same year they triumphed to a memorable League Cup success, enabling them to play in the UEFA Europa League whilst a Championship side in 2011-12. Birmingham also reached the Play-Offs during the same season but have not registered a top-half finish for six years.
Around the grounds (Saturday 3pm unless stated)
Luton vs Rotherham
Bristol City vs Watford
Preston vs Millwall
Coventry vs QPR
Huddersfield vs Swansea
Wigan vs Blackpool
Norwich vs Middlesbrough
West Brom vs Stoke
Hull vs Reading
Cardiff vs Sheffield United
Burnley vs Blackburn (Sunday 12:30pm)
Tickets & coverage
Away tickets for our trip to Birmingham City have now sold out. Tickets reached general sale with over 2,200 supporters making the journey to the West Midlands to back the Lads.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football from 7:30pm, and Sky Sports Main Event from kick-off at 8pm. SAFSee audio commentary will also be available.
Social media coverage will be active as usual via the club’s official accounts on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.