Sunderland head to Birmingham City in the Championship tomorrow afternoon, and it could mark a debut for one Black Cats player.
Sunderland travels to St Andrew’s to face Tony Mowbray as well as two former players, Dion Sanderson and Alex Pritchard.
After a disastrous start to the Birmingham City season, Mowbray wants to steer his new team clear of trouble, while Michael Beale wants to put his Sunderland team back in the top six.
After losing 1-0 on the road at Huddersfield Town in the middle of the week, the Black Cats are now in 10th place in the standings, only one point off of the top six.
Callum Styles could make Sunderland debut tomorrow
In January, Sunderland brought on three new players: Callum Styles, Romaine Mundle, and Leo Hjelde.
With Patrick Roberts’ recent injury, Mundle has made two substitute appearances and could get his first start tomorrow. Hjelde has settled into the starting lineup with ease.
Styles, a Barnsley loan player, hasn’t played yet as he heals from appendix surgery. However, Beale informed journalist Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo that, contingent on how training goes today, the Hungarian international might be benched tomorrow.
If not, Styles will “100%” be prepared for the match at the Stadium of Light against Swansea City the following weekend, according to Beale.
Callum Styles will cause Michael Beale a nice problem
Styles appears to be a very wise addition to Sunderland.
His versatility as a left-back, left wing, and centre of midfielder may have been a draw for the team, so it will be intriguing to watch where he ends up when healthy.
Styles may have to play wherever he is needed because Hjelde appears to have the left-back position locked down and Jack Clarke clearly has the left wing.
With Pierre Ekwah and Dan Neil providing very little support in midfield, Styles may be the team’s first choice in this crucial spot.
Still, Styles will want to play football on a regular basis. Styles will want to start games, but it might be difficult for him to establish himself and play the same position every week given how the starting lineup currently appears to be assembled.
Beale may therefore need to strike a balance, but having a player of Styles’ calibre and versatility can only be extremely beneficial as the season nears its conclusion.
Kick off tomorrow is at 3pm.
See more updates on https://sportupdates.co.uk/
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