🔗 Share this article Sutton's Projections vying with English Gaming Ace Daniel 'Stingray' Ray Published: 36 minutes ago Comments: 14 This Sunday heralds the initial Wear-Tyne derby after 2024, but who will emerge victorious – Sunderland or the Magpies? "Throughout the majority of last season, it was unthinkable the Wearside club getting promoted and challenging with Eddie Howe's Newcastle, never mind being above them in the table," remarked analyst Chris Sutton. "The situation is very different now, and the way Sunderland play convinces me they've got a real chance." He is offering predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, in competition with artificial intelligence, fans and a variety of guests. For this weekend's fixtures, he is challenged by England Gaming star Daniel 'Stingray' Ray. Ray is vying for victory for the national gaming squad – the Football Association's recognised esports team – at the gaming title digital Euros finals tournament, which takes place at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. You can watch Uefa's YouTube, IG Live and short-form video channels, as well as EA Sports FC Twitch and YouTube and the national team's Twitch. What are your thoughts with their forecasts? Feel free to submit your own predictions below. The most popular scoreline picked for each game is displayed on the leaderboards at the bottom of this page. A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. A perfect prediction earns forty points. Fifty nations took part in the European esports championship and just eight are left. Ray, pictured here with his coach Nick den Hamer and England Gaming team manager Denman, carries the team's ambitions. England also have competitive gaming squads in Rocket League and the management simulation. Ray, who competes for Gen City and Manchester City as well as England, is entering the fray at the eEuros finals after passing the qualifying. Eight players will represent their nations at the finals in a straight knockout, playing for a $100,000 prize pool and a coveted spot in the world finals play-offs, with Denmark's Anders Vejrgang looking to retain the title he won last year. "I'm feeling really good for it," Ray remarked. "I have a really good coach with me and preparation has been going well. "Representing your country is always an honour to play for your country. Of course when you are younger, you fantasise about doing it as an actual footballer, but when you pursue a career in this field and there is an chance to represent England, wearing the Three Lions is something incredible. "I defeated 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 never beaten him in a tournament before. "For me he is the number one in the world so defeating him in a tournament like this just provides a crazy boost of confidence." Ray's sporting hero is Lionel Messi and he thinks his game playing style is comparable to his hero. "I play with a bit of skill and I like to play with a bit of vision, so I'd say that is accurate," he said. "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 earned a stalemate after being reduced to 10 men, and many thought they've turned a corner, they could potentially be challengers for the crown. However, since that game, however, they were overpowered by Leeds, looked uninspired against Bournemouth and this week got beaten by Atalanta in the Champions League. So boss Enzo Maresca is in need of a win here to return to winning ways, but it is a tough ask because Everton are such a potent team. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye are playing exceptionally and they have got a bit of a positive run at the moment. Based on recent performances you would likely back Everton, while the most sensible prediction would likely be a draw, but I'm throwing caution to the wind. They have not given me any real reason to back them recently, but I just have a hunch Chelsea will take this one 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'm attending this game and it will be interesting to see what we get from Liverpool. It was great to see for Reds boss Arne Slot to get such a important victory at Inter Milan on Tuesday after all the stuff with Mohamed Salah this week. Slot ought not to put up with that drama. I know Salah has been a legend for the club but fundamentally Slot just wants to win games and there is no ulterior motive in his team selection. They changed their formation against Inter and went with a midfield diamond formation and two up top. The media is going to be talking about whether Salah is back for this game, but the only way he is going to be reintegrated is if he says sorry. Slot's focus 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. The Merseysiders need to get back to stringing wins together, but I am not sure how much their efforts 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 likely do poorly - but I do fancy them to 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 battle intensely against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, only to be pegged back late on. Aside from their excellent performance against Everton a couple of weeks ago, Newcastle's away form has been poor, especially straight after they've played in the Champions League. The pattern suggests that trend to continue on Sunday, and their fatigue is likely to be a significant issue in how this game goes because of their rivals' intensity. Their match against Arsenal demonstrated how incessant Regis le Bris's side are. They dominated the Gunners, and it was incredible to watch. Many pundits talks about how Granit Xhaka has been brilliant for the Black Cats, and he has been excellent, but Noah Sadiki, who plays in midfield with him, has also been one of the signings of the season and deserves some attention too. I am expecting this being the best game|most exciting fixture