A second consecutive win would be huge for Sunderland, but their options are limited at Birmingham.
Sunderland head to Birmingham City on Tuesday, looking to win back-to-back games in the Championship for the first time this season.
The victory over Hull City last time out – secured with a youthful line-up – was not enough to lift the Black Cats out of the relegation zone, however.
And with little progress in the transfer market, Chris Coleman may again be reliant on his inexperienced prospects…
Robbin Ruiter retains the starting spot at Sunderland, with no upgrade signed, while the three-man defence of Tyias Browning, John O’Shea and Jake Clarke-Salter looks set to see through the rest of the season.
Adam Matthews should replace Billy Jones – as he did after 34 minutes of the Hull game – but Bryan Oviedo will continue on the left side.
There is every chance that Matthews is the only change to the side, though, as Didier Ndong remains injured and Ethan Robson may well retain a place alongside Lee Cattermole and George Honeyman.
And with no alternative up front, Joel Asoro and Josh Maja will look to repeat their recent impressive performances.
Kazenga LuaLua is unlikely to immediately win a place in the team, but Sunderland fans will be hoping that there are further reinforcements in time to face Ipswich Town on Saturday.
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