🔗 Share this article Chris Sutton's Predictions versus English Gaming Ace Daniel 'The Stingray' Ray Published: Over half an hour ago Comments: 14 This Sunday brings the inaugural Wear-Tyne derby after 2024, but who will emerge victorious – Sunderland or the Magpies? "For most of last season, no one would have predicted the Wearside club rising to the top flight and challenging with Eddie Howe's Newcastle, never mind being above them in the table," stated analyst Chris Sutton. "It is very different now, and the way they play convinces me they've got a real chance." He is offering predictions for all 380 Premier League games this campaign, in competition with AI, the public and a variety of guests. For this weekend's fixtures, he faces off against England Gaming star Daniel 'Stingray' Ray. Ray is going for glory for the eLions – the Football Association's official esports team – at the gaming title Uefa eEuro 2025 finals tournament, which takes place at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. You can watch Uefa's video platform, Instagram Live and TikTok channels, as well as EA Sports FC Twitch and YouTube and England's Twitch. Do you agree with their scores? Share your own predictions below. The most commonly selected scoreline chosen for each game is displayed on the tables at the bottom of this page. Predicting the right outcome (selecting a win, draw or defeat) is worth ten points. The exact score earns forty points. Numerous entrants entered the European esports championship and a mere eight have qualified. Ray, pictured here with his coach Nick den Hamer and England Gaming team manager Denman, carries the nation's aspirations. England also have competitive gaming squads in the vehicular soccer game and the management simulation. Ray, who represents Gen City and the Premier League champions as well as England, is making his debut at the eEuros finals after passing the qualifying. The final eight competitors will fly the flag at the finals in a knockout format, playing for a six-figure prize fund and a highly sought-after spot in the world finals play-offs, with the Danish representative Anders Vejrgang looking to retain the title he won last year. "My mindset is really good for it," Ray remarked. "I have a really good coach with me and practice has been going well. "Representing your country is always an honour to play for your country. Naturally when you are younger, you imagine doing it as an real-life footballer, but when you go into this job and there is an opportunity to represent England, donning the national jersey is something incredible. "I overcame Vejrgang 9-4 in qualifying to get here. I've played against him over the course of the season just in practice, and in other tournaments before - but I'd always lost to him in a tournament before. "In my opinion he is the best player in the world so defeating him in a tournament like this just provides a crazy boost of confidence." Ray's favourite real-life player is Lionel Messi and he feels his game playing style is similar to his hero. "I play with a bit of skill and I like to play with a bit of incisive passing, so I'd say that is fair," he explained. "I'm pleased with that comparison!" Premier League Forecasts Saturday, 13 December Chelsea vs Everton Stamford Bridge, 15:00 GMT The Blues were excellent against the Gunners at the end of November, when they got a draw 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 lethargic against Bournemouth and this week got defeated by Atalanta in the Champions League. So boss Enzo Maresca really needs a win here to return to winning ways, but it is a tough ask because Everton are such a threatening team. Two of their stars are playing really well and Everton have got a bit of momentum at the moment. Based on recent performances you would likely back the visitors, while the most sensible prediction would probably be a draw, but I'm throwing caution to the wind. Chelsea haven't given me any real reason to back them recently, but I just have a gut instinct Chelsea will emerge victorious because they are at home and they are overdue a victory. 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 am at this game and it will be interesting to see what we get from the Reds. It was great to see for Reds boss Arne Slot to get such a important victory at Inter Milan on Tuesday after all the controversy with Mohamed Salah this week. Slot shouldn't need to put up with that distraction. I know Salah has been a legend for Liverpool but at its core Slot just wants to win games and there is nothing personal in his team selection. Liverpool changed their shape against Inter and went with a midfield diamond formation and two up top. Everyone is going to be talking about whether Salah is selected for this game, but the only way he is going to be brought back into the fold is if he makes amends. Slot's primary concern will be on winning this game, but it is a difficult fixture. It's fair to say it is the same for most teams but I find Brighton so mercurial. I always feel they have got a goal in them, but they are defensively susceptible too. Liverpool need to get back to a consistent run of form, but I am not sure how much their exertions at the San Siro will have taken out of them. I have whacked a couple of Brighton players in my Fantasy Premier League side, 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 Wearside club have had the benefit of a free week 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 hasn't been great, particularly straight after they've played in the Champions League. It is anticipated that that tendency to continue on Sunday, and their fatigue is likely to be a factor in how this game goes because of Sunderland's intensity. We saw how unwavering Regis le Bris's side are. They dominated the Gunners, and it was a joy to watch. Everyone talks about how Granit Xhaka has been outstanding for the Black Cats, and he has been brilliant, but Noah Sadiki, who plays in midfield with him, has also been one of the best acquisitions and warrants praise too. All signs point to this being the best game|most exciting fixture