'A really good side' - Swansea boss gives Sunderland verdict

Swansea are not expecting to run into a team in crisis when they face Sunderland this weekend.

Swansea City boss Luke Williams believes Sunderland are ‘a very good side’ despite the Black Cats recently falling away from the play-offs pace.

Just two weeks ago, Sunderland were right in the mix to finish in the top six but costly back-to-back defeats to Huddersfield and Birmingham City have left them seven points adrift.

That cost head coach Michael Beale his job at the Stadium of Light, with him sacked on Monday after just 64 days in charge.

'Class and quality' - Sunderland boss pays tribute to Tony Mowbray after amazing gesture

Williams, though, is still expecting an incredibly tough test on Wearside.

“I know they are a very good side and I think they are going to be in the shake up,” Williams said.

“I had the same type of feeling when I was watching the preparation, watching Hull, a team at the time in the play-offs in fifth or sixth position, when we went there, and I could see why.

“[Sunderland] are a really good team, play with good fluid movements and have a bit of everything that you need in pace and power, experience, youth.

“They are a good side and it’s a tough place to go.

“I remember I went up there to visit Gus when he was a manager there, it was the first time I’d been there to like the training ground and spent time there. It was a really impressive place.

“Of course it’s a tough test but we’re prepared for that and are looking forward to it.”

Sunderland defender linked with £20m summer move to Everton

READ MORE SUNDERLAND NEWS

• Sunderland contract situation: Who is nearing the end of their current deal?
• Top Ten: Sunderland's best ever January signings
• Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham names two former Sunderland players as his heroes
• Jordan Willis and seven other Sunderland careers ruined by injury
• Sell to thrive, not sell to survive: The Sunderland 'model' explained - in their own words
• Luke O'Nien and eight other Sunderland players who successfully changed positions