Soccer Expert Chris Sutton Faces Off Against Singer Olly Murs in Premier League Predictions
Arsenal's 10-game victorious run was ended by the Black Cats before the international break, but will the Premier League frontrunners recover against north London rivals Spurs this Sunday?
"{I feel like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs manager Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," stated soccer expert Chris Sutton.
"The Spurs manager will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling best this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side typically still manage to win."
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, versus AI, fans and a range of guests.
For week 12, he takes on performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.
Murs' latest album, the new release, is out on Friday.
Soccer and Family Life
Murs is a talented footballer as well as a accomplished artist and has been a star of multiple Soccer Aid matches over time - but he is not intending a professional comeback as a footballer.
"{I actually played in a charity match the other night for a mate of mine," he explained. "The team was trailing 3-1 when I came off in the second half, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can read into that what you will!
"I continue to love football, but I injured my joint a few years ago and it even now isn't where I want it to be. I hope I could play more but the unpredictability of the sport means it's too dangerous for me in my profession to do it seriously again.
"Additionally I am forty-one now, and we are not everyone is Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very happy not playing football and I am preparing for the time that my daughter or son chooses to play instead."
The singer and his wife Amelia Tank have a young family, Madison and their son, and he is ready to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of their manager.
"I will not push football on our children but I've already told Amelia that if they do get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my manager qualifications - and I will probably be coaching their weekend football side," he said.
"I watched my nephews play a lot, and I really got into it, and I obviously was involved with a soccer team for a period too.
"My father did it with us when I was a child, which is likely where I inherited it. He managed our side for several seasons and had great fun with it. That might be the next step for me as well, and I am excited to it!"
Top Division Forecasts
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
Chelsea may have to be patient for Cole Palmer's comeback from fitness issues but their attack is already more potent with Joao Pedro and Delap both returned to fitness.
In my opinion this game will be fairly close, though. Burnley are well organised and their only home losses so far have been against the Reds and Arsenal.
This suggests a one-all draw to me, but I am actually going to go with Chelsea to edge it for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.
Sutton's forecast: 1-2
Olly's pick: The Blues will be superior. 1-3
AI's outlook: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Cherries have been defeated in their past two matches - although both of them were on the road - but they got thoroughly beaten by Villa last time out which surprised me.
On the other hand, West Ham won back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those games were at home, they appear strong again.
West Ham's only away win this campaign came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was still that team's coach.
Therefore, what exactly do I predict here - will it be West Ham extending their run under their manager, or Bournemouth responding?
I will choose Bournemouth, because I believe what happened against Aston Villa was a anomaly.
Sutton's forecast: 2-0
Olly's outlook: The home team are doing well but the visitors have picked up under their boss. 2-2
The algorithm's prediction: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were seen as one of the favourites for relegation before the season began, but they have surprised a few observers under their manager and are in fine fettle with three in their past four matches.
My son told me to get Brentford striker Igor Thiago in my fantasy soccer squad a few weeks back and, guess what, I ignored the advice.
The forward will likely find the net again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to select him or support the away side at Amex Stadium.
The Bees have not had much success on the road this season, and the Seagulls are consistently decent at home. Brentford will try to attack on the break but I think Fabian Hurzeler's side carry much more of a danger.
The analyst's forecast: 2-1
Olly's view: It could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a many goals but it in reality proves to be quite close. 1-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a massive game for the Cottagers, who have suffered defeat in five of their last six games.
They have have lots of quality in their squad but it still seems like they could be dragged into a relegation fight.
As for the Black Cats, indeed they are the surprise package of the Premier League season so far.
Their display in the two-all tie with the Gunners last time out was superb. We have not witnessed any other team disrupt the North London side like that this season, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.
The logical choice would be to back the visitors here, because they are obviously capable of roughing the hosts up too and, the last time they were in this part of London, they defeated the Blues at the close of last month.
But I am not going to do that. Rather, I really need to carry on going against the away team with my predictions. I am claiming a lot of credit for their good results because they clearly love to defy my predictions.
Looking at the home side's at Craven Cottage record, the only team they have lost to is the league leaders. Their manager's side will be absolutely eager for a positive outcome, so I am going to say they will pick up three much-needed points.
The expert's forecast: 1-0
The guest's prediction: I'm aware the visitors are performing strongly and additionally that Fulham are on a poor streak... but Fulham have nonetheless been decent at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0
The algorithm's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
This is a tough fixture to call. The Reds have suffered seven of their past 10 games in every tournament, but could they be among the teams who profit from the {international break|