🔗 Share this article Sutton's Predictions vying with English Gaming Prodigy Daniel 'Stingray' Ray Published: 36 minutes ago Comments: 14 The weekend brings the inaugural Wear-Tyne derby since 2024, but which side will celebrate – the Black Cats or the Magpies? "For most of last season, it was unthinkable Sunderland earning promotion and challenging with Eddie Howe's Newcastle, much less being above them in the table," commented analyst Chris Sutton. "It is very different now, and the way they play makes me think they've got a genuine opportunity." He is offering predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, the public and a assortment of guests. For week 16, he takes on England Gaming star Daniel 'Stingray' Ray. Ray is competing for honours for the England's esports team – the Football Association's formal esports team – at the football simulation Uefa eEuro 2025 finals tournament, which will occur at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. Viewers can catch Uefa's video platform, IG Live and short-form video channels, as well as EA Sports FC Twitch and YouTube and the national team's Twitch. Do you agree with their scores? Share your own projections below. The fan-favourite scoreline chosen for each game is used in the scoreboards at the foot of this page. Predicting the right outcome (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is worth ten points. A perfect prediction earns forty points. Fifty nations competed in the Uefa EA Sports FC eEuros and a mere eight remain. Ray, seen here with his trainer and England Gaming team manager Denman, carries the eLions' hopes. England also have competitive gaming squads in the vehicular soccer game and the management simulation. Ray, who also plays Gen City and the Premier League champions as well as England, is entering the fray at the eEuros finals after passing the preliminary stage. A group of eight will represent their nations at the finals in a knockout format, vying for a $100,000 prize pool and a highly sought-after spot in the FC Pro World Championship Play-Ins, with Denmark's Anders Vejrgang defending the title he won last year. "My mindset is really good for it," Ray stated. "There's a really good coach with me and preparation has been going well. "It's always an honour to play for your country. Obviously when you are younger, you imagine doing it as an professional footballer, but when you go into this profession and there is an opportunity to represent England, wearing the Three Lions is something special. "I overcame Vejrgang 9-4 in qualifying to get here. I've played against him recently just in practice, and in other tournaments before - but I'd always lost to him in a tournament before. "I believe he is the top competitor in the world so getting a win over him in a tournament like this just gives you a massive injection of confidence." Ray's footballing idol is Lionel Messi and he feels his virtual football style is comparable to his hero. "I play with a bit of flair and I like to play with a bit of vision, so I'd say that is accurate," he explained. "I'm quite happy with that comparison!" Premier League Forecasts Saturday, 13 December Chelsea vs Everton Stamford Bridge, 15:00 GMT The London club were outstanding against the Gunners at the end of November, when they secured a point after going down to 10 men, and it seemed they've turned a corner, they could possibly be challengers for the crown. In the matches following, however, they were overpowered by Leeds, looked flat against Bournemouth and this week got defeated by Atalanta in the Champions League. So manager Enzo Maresca is in need of a win here to get back on track, but it will be a challenge because the Toffees are such a potent team. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye are playing at the top of their game and they have got a bit of momentum at the moment. On form you would likely back Everton, while the most logical prediction would likely be a draw, but I'm going against logic. The Blues have failed to given me any real reason to back them recently, but I just have a feeling they will take this one because they are at home and they are due a win. Sutton's prediction: 2-1 Stingray's prediction: With this being at the Bridge, I am going to back Chelsea. I think they will start off really well and go 2-0 up, then Everton will nick one back but then Chelsea score late. 3-1 AI's prediction: 2-0 Liverpool vs Brighton Anfield, 15:00 GMT I'm attending this game and it will be intriguing to see what we get from the Reds. I was delighted for Reds boss Arne Slot to get such a great win at Inter Milan on Tuesday following all the controversy with Mohamed Salah this week. Slot ought not to put up with that drama. I know Salah has been a icon for the club but at its core Slot just wants to win games and there is no bias in his team selection. Liverpool changed their tactical setup against Inter and went with a midfield diamond and two up top. Everyone is going to be talking about whether Salah is included for this game, but the only way he is going to be brought back into the fold is if he says sorry. Slot's focus will be on winning this game, but it is a tough one. One might suggest it is the same for most teams but I find Brighton so hard to predict. I always feel they have got a goal in them, but they are quite open too. The Merseysiders need to get back to a consistent run of form, but I am not sure how much their energy spent at the San Siro will have affected their stamina. I've selected a couple of Brighton players in my FPL team, so they will almost certainly blank - but I do fancy get something at Anfield. Sutton's prediction: 2-2 Stingray's prediction: This is a game which is going to give Liverpool a bit more of their confidence back. Obviously they had a good win in midweek and they can build more momentum here. 2-1 AI's prediction: 3-1 Sunday, 14 December Sunderland vs Newcastle Stadium of Light, 14:00 GMT The Black Cats have had the week off while Newcastle had to exert themselves against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, only to let their lead slip away late on. Apart from their brilliant performance against Everton a couple of weeks ago, Newcastle's away form has been inconsistent, especially straight after they've played in the Champions League. The pattern suggests that pattern to continue on Sunday, and their fatigue is likely to be a factor in how this game goes because of Sunderland's high press. Their match against Arsenal demonstrated how unwavering Regis le Bris's side are. They overpowered the Gunners, and it was a joy to watch. Everyone talks about how Granit Xhaka has been phenomenal for the Black Cats, and he has been superb, but Noah Sadiki, who plays in midfield with him, has also been one of the signings of the season and warrants praise too. This promises to be this being the best game|most exciting fixture