At a time when the Black Cats sit in 10th position in the standings, Swansea are down in 18th place and on the brink of finding themselves in a relegation scrap.

Match preview

Swansea City manager Luke Williams during the match on January 13, 2024 © Reuters

After just 12 matches in charge, Beale was removed from his position in the Sunderland dugout on Tuesday, a consequence of two away defeats to struggling sides.

Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City each got the better of Sunderland to leave the North East outfit seven points adrift of the playoff places,

Whether Sunderland can get back on track under interim head coach Michael Dodds remains to be seen, yet the 37-year-old was able to instigate an upturn in fortunes before Beale's arrival.

Sunderland defeated each of West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United at the Stadium of Light - just two of 10 victories they have posted at their home ground in the second tier.

Before his departure, Beale also guided Sunderland to home successes over Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle, and there will be a certain level of optimism that they can kick-start their campaign on Saturday.

From Swansea's perspective, appointing Notts County boss Luke Williams was always going to be a risk, one worth taking at the time given his track record with his previous club.

However, six defeats in seven games in all competitions have put Williams under pressure in South Wales, Swansea on the brink of being dragged into a relegation battle.

As it stands, there is a four-point cushion ahead of 22nd position, yet that may change with Queens Park Rangers playing host to Rotherham United at the weekend.

On a plus note, Swansea did beat promotion-chasing Hull City by a 1-0 scoreline in their last away fixture, ending a two-month streak without a win on their travels.

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Team News

Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier in action with Sunderland's Jack Clarke on January 6, 2024 © Reuters

Despite Dodds replacing Beale, there may not be too many changes to the Sunderland XI, just with more of an attack-minded approach.

However, an alteration will likely be required on the left flank with Jack Clarke struggling through injury, with Adil Aouchiche potentially being brought in as his replacement.

Nazarii Rusyn is in contention to get the nod ahead of Mason Burstow, while Abdoullah Ba could return in some capacity in midfield.

Although improvements were made against Ipswich, Swansea boss Williams may choose to tinker with his starting lineup.

Charlie Patino and Liam Cullen are both pushing for recalls, while Przemyslaw Placheta is an alternative to Ronald on the flank.

Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Hume, O'Nien, Ballard, Hjelde; Mundle, Ekwah, Neil, Bellingham, Aouchiche; Rusyn

Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Naughton, Cabango, Wood, Tymon; Allen, Grimes; Placheta, Cullen, Paterson; Yates

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We say: Sunderland 1-1 Swansea City

While Sunderland have shown in the past that they can flourish under Dodds, there is no certainty that will continue here. Swansea may benefit from a free midweek to earn themselves a much-needed share of the spoils.

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