The aims of the two could not be further apart, but for two weekends in the Premier League season their aims aligned.
Newcastle United are chasing another Champions League finish, while Sunderland just want to make sure it’s not the trap door.
The Magpies face a trip to the Stadium of Light for the first time in nearly a decade in the top flight on the weekend of December 13, while it’s March before the Mackems are ‘welcomed’ back to St James’ Park.
Now the fixtures are out - the full list can be read here - what does AI think of the chances of the two?
Will the Magpies fly high again, and what’s their hopes of remaining in Europe - they’ve not qualified in consecutive seasons since the 2000s - after their Champions League exploits? Will Sunderland beat the drop back to the Championship at the first attempt - and will they even put up a fight at all? Here’s AI tool Grok’s thoughts on where the two North East rivals will finish - and it’s fair to say the result is rather revealing.
1. Sunderland - 20th
Their return to the Premier League is likely to be brief. Promoted teams have historically struggled (e.g., Southampton’s 2024/25 relegation), and Sunderland’s squad may lack the quality to survive. | Getty Images
2. Burnley - 19th
Burnley’s promotion brings them back, but their 2023/24 relegation exposed defensive frailties. Simulations predict all promoted sides will struggle, and Burnley’s lack of top-tier depth could see them drop. | Getty Images
3. Leeds United - 18th
Leeds return to the Premier League for 2025/26, but data suggests promoted sides struggle, with all three projected to go down. Their attacking style may not translate against stronger opposition, leading to relegation. | Getty Images
4. Brentford - 17th
Brentford’s established status under Thomas Frank is a strength, but their reliance on key players like Bryan Mbeumo (if he stays) and a potential Frank departure to a bigger club could destabilize them. A 17th-place finish reflects caution. | Getty Images