Sunderland head to Birmingham City in the Championship tomorrow afternoon, and it could mark a debut for one Black Cats player.
Sunderland head to St Andrew’s where they’ll go up against Tony Mowbray, and a couple of former players in Alex Pritchard and also Dion Sanderson.
Mowbray is looking to pull his new side clear of danger after a terrible season so far for Birmingham City, whilst Michael Beale is looking to get his Sunderland side back in the top six.
A 1-0 defeat away at Huddersfield Town in midweek leaves the Black Cats in 10th place of the table but still just one point outside the top six.
Callum Styles could make Sunderland debut tomorrow
Sunderland signed three new players in January; Leo Hjelde, Romaine Mundle, and Callum Styles.
Hjelde has slotted into the XI seamlessly and Mundle has made substitute appearances in his last two, potentially being in line for his first start tomorrow after the recent injury to Patrick Roberts.
Barnsley loan man Styles is yet to feature though as he recovers from appendix surgery. But Beale told Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith that the Hungarian international could be on the bench tomorrow, depending on how training goes today.
If not, Beale says Styles will ‘100%’ be ready for the game against Swansea City at the Stadium of Light next weekend.
Callum Styles will cause Michael Beale a nice problem
Styles looks like a very useful signing for Sunderland.
He was arguably brought in for his ability to play left-back, left-wing, and in the centre of midfield, so when fit, it’ll be very interesting to see where he goes.
Hjelde looks to have the left-back position locked down and Jack Clarke obviously has the left-wing, so for Styles, it might be a case of playing wherever he’s needed.
It’s an important role in the side and Styles’ first port of call might be in midfield, with Pierre Ekwah and Dan Neil having very little back-up in that position.
Styles though will want to play regular football. He’ll want to be starting games but with the XI now looking pretty settled, it could be hard for Styles to break in and play in one position week in, week out.
So for Beale, it could be a balancing act, but having a player with Styles’ versatility and quality can only be a huge plus going into the final months of the season.
Kick off tomorrow is at 3pm.