Sunderland boss Michael Beale has said he is expecting a "ding-dong battle" against predecessor Tony Mowbray at Birmingham on Saturday.
Mowbray led Sunderland into the play-offs last season but was sacked in December after 15 months in charge.
The Black Cats are one point off the play-offs, while Blues are six points above the relegation zone.
"I don't think Tony has anything to prove to Sunderland or the fans," Beale told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"I think our fans will show their class because he didn't get a chance to say goodbye, but after that it's about us going there and getting a result.