Tony Mowbray’s side were beaten 1-0 by Cardiff last time out and have one game remaining before the World Cup break.
Several Sunderland players, including Ross Stewart, Aji Alese, Lynden Gooch and Daniel Ballard, remain unavailable for the Birmingham match due to injuries.
Luke O’Nien will also serve a one-match suspension for picking up five yellow cards.
Here’s our predicted Sunderland XI to face Birmingham.
1. GK: Anthony Patterson
Saved a first-half penalty against Cardiff and was unfortunate to lose his clean sheet in the 1-0 defeat. Photo: Martin Swinney
2. RB: Trai Hume
With Luke O’Nien suspended and Lynden Gooch still injured, the Northern Irishman is likely to receive another opportunity at right-back. Photo: Frank Reid
3. CB: Bailey Wright
Didn’t have his best game against Cardiff but has started three successive games and added some more aerial presence to Sunderland’s backline. Photo: Frank Reid
4. CB: Danny Batth
Despite conceding the penalty against Cardiff Batth has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers this season. Photo: Frank Reid