🔗 Share this article The Pundit's Predictions against eSports England Prodigy Daniel 'Stingray' Ray Published: Over half an hour ago Comments: 14 This Sunday brings the inaugural Wear-Tyne derby since 2024, but who will emerge victorious – the Black Cats or Newcastle? "Throughout the majority of last season, you couldn't have imagined the Wearside club rising to the top flight and holding their own with Eddie Howe's Newcastle, let alone being above them in the table," remarked analyst Chris Sutton. "It is very different now, and the way they play convinces me they've got a solid shot." The analyst is providing forecasts for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, readers and a assortment of guests. For week 16, he faces off against England Gaming star Daniel 'Stingray' Ray. Ray is competing for honours for the national gaming squad – the Football Association's official esports team – at the EA Sports FC Uefa eEuro 2025 finals tournament, which is being held 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 its YouTube counterpart and the national team's Twitch. Do you agree with their predictions? You can make your own projections below. The fan-favourite scoreline picked for each game is used in the leaderboards at the foot of this page. A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth ten points. An accurate scoreline earns 40 points. Half a hundred countries took part in the European esports championship and just eight have qualified. Ray, pictured here with his trainer and England Gaming team manager Denman, holds the eLions' hopes. England also have competitive gaming squads in Rocket League and Football Manager. Ray, who represents his club side and Manchester City as well as England, is competing for the first time at the eEuros finals after successfully navigating the preliminary stage. The final eight competitors will fly the flag at the finals in a knockout format, playing for a six-figure prize fund and a coveted spot in the FC Pro World Championship Play-Ins, with the Danish representative Anders Vejrgang defending the title he won last year. "I am feeling really good for it," Ray said. "I have a really good coach with me and practice has been going well. "It's always an honour to play for your country. Naturally when you are younger, you fantasise about doing it as an actual footballer, but when you enter this job and there is an opportunity to represent England, putting the shirt on is something incredible. "I defeated 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 not previously defeated him in a tournament before. "I believe he is the top competitor in the world so defeating him in a tournament like this just provides a huge surge of confidence." Ray's sporting hero is Lionel Messi and he feels his virtual football style is reminiscent of 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 a good comparison," he said. "I'm pleased with that comparison!" Premier League Predictions Saturday, 13 December Chelsea vs Everton Stamford Bridge, 15:00 GMT The London club were outstanding against Arsenal at the end of November, when they secured a point after going down to 10 men, and many thought they've turned a corner, they could possibly be challengers for the crown. However, since that game, however, they were outfought by Leeds, looked lethargic against Bournemouth and this week got turned over by Atalanta in the Champions League. So boss Enzo Maresca is in need of a win here to get back on track, but it is a tough ask because the Toffees are such a dangerous team. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye are playing at the top of their game and they have got a bit of a positive run at the moment. Based on recent performances you would probably back Everton, while the most prudent prediction would likely be a draw, but I am not going to be sensible. The Blues have failed to given me any real reason to back them recently, but I just have a feeling they will emerge victorious because they are at home and they are in need of three points. 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. I was delighted for Reds boss Arne Slot to get such a great win at Inter Milan on Tuesday following all the discussion with Mohamed Salah this week. Slot ought not to put up with that distraction. I know Salah has been a icon for Liverpool but fundamentally Slot just wants to win games and there is nothing personal in his team selection. Liverpool 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 selected for this game, but the only way he is going to be reintegrated is if he makes amends. Slot's primary concern 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 unpredictable. I always feel they have got a goal in them, but they are defensively susceptible too. The Merseysiders need to get back to winning consistently, but I am not sure how much their energy spent at the San Siro will have affected their stamina. I put a couple of Brighton players in my FPL team, so they will probably lose now - but I do think they can 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 Sunderland have had the opportunity to rest while Newcastle had to work so hard against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, only to be pegged back late on. Aside from their brilliant performance against Everton a couple of weeks ago, Newcastle's away form has been poor, particularly straight after they've played in the Champions League. I am expecting that tendency to continue on Sunday, and their lack of freshness is likely to be a key element in how this game goes because of Sunderland's high press. Their match against Arsenal demonstrated how relentless Regis le Bris's side are. They overpowered the Gunners, and it was a joy to watch. Commentators talks about how Granit Xhaka has been outstanding for the Black Cats, and he has been superb, but Noah Sadiki, who plays in midfield with him, has also been one of the top transfers and warrants praise too. This promises to be this being the best game|most exciting fixture