Sunderland vs Swansea Prediction: Dodds to get the best out of Bellingham

Sunderland have parted company with Michael Beale after just two months in the post.

The former Rangers man will be succeeded by first-team coach Mike Dodds on an interim basis (third stint with the Black Cats) until the end of the season, while the hierarchy search for their next long-term appointment.

They are in action at the Stadium of Light this Saturday (15:00) as they host Swansea City. The Swans have won just one of their last five and are at risk of being dragged into the relegation battle if results don't improve quickly.

Match Odds

Sunderland are 8/11 to get back to winning ways. Swansea are 18/5 to pick up the three points and the draw can be backed at 11/4.

Both teams to score is on offer at 8/11 and over 2.5 goals is the same price.

Team News

Sunderland are without Patrick Roberts, Niall Huggins, Dennis Cirkin and Bradley Dack due to injury.

The Swans have no fresh injury concerns heading into the weekend.

Sunderland to win @ 8/11

With Beale gone, we're expecting an instant upturn in results with Dodds in charge. Having been at the club since 2021, he knows the squad well and will have worked individually with them on the training pitch.

In the three games he took charge of before Beale's arrival, he won two against top-six sides West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United.

On this occasion, his side won't be facing an opponent as tough as the two promotion-chasers in Swansea, and we think that the Black Cats can win this one on home soil with relative ease.

Swansea have won just one of their last five league matches and are at risk of being pulled into the relegation battle. And with the change in the dugout at the Stadium of Light, we expect Dodds to kick-off his third stint as interim boss with another three points.

Jobe Bellingham to score anytime @ 11/4

Given Dodds' long-standing relationship with the Bellingham family, his position as head coach for the next few months is likely going to be of great benefit to 18-year-old Jobe.

The young attacker notched the winner against Leeds back in December during Dodd's last interim spell, and he will be looking forward to playing more football under Dodd's leadership for the remainder of the campaign.

Dodds was pivotal in the development of Jude Bellingham, and Jobe will most likely have switched from Birmingham to Sunderland for the same tutoring.

With that in mind, we think Bellingham offers excellent value to get on the scoresheet this weekend and grab his sixth of the season.