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.
9. CAM: Alex Pritchard
Another player who started on the bench against Cardiff and is likely to be recalled. Photo: Frank Reid
10. LW: Jack Clarke -
Returned to the starting XI against Cardiff after serving a one-match suspension. The winger has scored four goals and provided six assists in the Championship this season. Photo: Martin Swinney
11. ST: Ellis Simms
Made his first start for over a month against Cardiff after recovering from a toe injury. Photo: Martin Swinney