Sunderland will look to put this difficult run of form to bed as they host Birmingham City this weekend.
While the Black Cats managed a comfortable win against Norwich City, they were unable to penetrate Swansea City’s defence last time out and have now managed to pick up only four points in their last five games.
Sunderland did play well in Wales though and will be eager to take it a step further on Wearside next time out. Wayne Rooney is still searching for his first win since controversially joining Birmingham City, while the Blues are without a win on the road since August.
Tony Mowbray‘s side could force their way back into the Championship play-off spots on Saturday, but a host of absences could make life a lot more difficult for the Black Cats.
Here is our predicted XI to face Birmingham…
Sunderland predicted XI vs Blues
Anthony Patterson is one of the first names on the team-sheet and would have to make a number of significant errors to be anywhere near a place on the bench. The goalkeeper will keep his place in between the sticks at the weekend.
The defence is a major worry for Tony Mowbray, with both Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien serving suspensions after accumulating five yellow cards each. With Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt yet to start a game, I can see Sunderland rejigging the backline.
Niall Huggins could move over to the right and allow Trai Hume to occupy a centre-back spot, where he played towards the end of last season. The Northern Ireland international will partner Seelt, who will have to be trusted after making two appearances off the bench.
Meanwhile, Dennis Cirkin will return to the left side of the defence after making his return from injury last month.
Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah will retain their spots in the midfield, with the former likely to be named captain in O’Nien’s absence.
Jobe Bellingham has been an ever-present figure slightly further forward than the pair, and will be eager to face his former club.
However, Mowbray has already admitted that the teenager needs a rest and I would like to see Alex Pritchard come in for him this weekend.
The front three will go unchanged despite not being able to find the net last time out. Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke sit either side of Nazariy Rusyn, who is beginning to impress on Wearside.