STEVE Bruce has made two changes to Sunderland's starting line-up as he returns to St Andrew's for the first time since his departure as Birmingham manager.
Jordan Henderson makes his second Premier League start at the heart of midfield in place of the injured Lee Cattermole.
And Kieran Richardson returns at left-back in place of George McCartney, with the Northern Ireland international dropping down to the bench.
Kenwyne Jones has been passed fit to partner Darren Bent in attack.
Birmingham have named former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips on the bench, with Cameron Jerome expected to start the game as a lone centre-forward.
BIRMINGHAM (4-5-1): Hart; Carr, Ridgewell, Johnson, Dann; Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, Benitez, McFadden; Jerome.
Subs: Taylor (gk), O'Connor, Phillips, McSheffrey, Queudrue, Parnaby, Carsley.
SUNDERLAND (4-4-2): Gordon; Bardsley, Turner, Ferdinand, Richardson; Malbranque, Henderson, Cana, Reid; Bent, Jones.
Subs: Fulop (gk), McCartney, Nosworthy, Zenden, Campbell, Da Silva, Healy.
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