Football Expert Chris Sutton Takes On Artist Murs in Top Flight Predictions

Arsenal's 10-game victorious run was ended by the Black Cats before the international break, but can the Premier League frontrunners recover against north London rivals Spurs this weekend?

"{I feel like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," stated soccer specialist Chris Sutton.

"Frank will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side typically still manage to win."

The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, against artificial intelligence, fans and a variety of guests.

For the twelfth round, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.

The singer's new album, Knees Up, is available on the weekend.

Soccer and Family Experiences

Olly is a talented soccer player as well as a accomplished artist and has been a star of multiple charity football matches over time - but he is not intending a serious comeback as a player.

"{I recently played in a benefit game the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "My team was losing 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 want!

"I still love football, but I injured my knee a few years ago and it even now hasn't fully recovered. I wish I could play more but the unpredictability of the game means it's too risky for me in my profession to do it properly again.

"Plus I am 41 now, and we are not all Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very content not playing football and I am preparing for the moment that my child or boy chooses to play instead."

Murs and his spouse Amelia Tank have two children, their daughter and their son, and he is prepared to emulate his dad by becoming their coach.

"I will not force football on our kids but I've previously told my wife that if they happen to get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will likely be coaching their weekend football team," he said.

"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I clearly owned a soccer team for a period too.

"My dad did it with us when I was a kid, which is likely where I inherited it. He coached our side for several years and had a wonderful time with it. That might be the future for me as well, and I am excited to it!"

Top Division Forecasts

Weekend, 22 November

  • Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

The Blues might have to wait a bit longer for their star's comeback from fitness issues but their attack is now more potent with Joao Pedro and Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this game will be fairly close, though. Burnley are disciplined and their sole home losses so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.

It suggests a one-all tie to me, but I am actually going to go with the London side to edge it for what would be their third league win in a row.

The expert's prediction: 1-2

Olly's pick: The Blues will be superior. 1-3

AI's outlook: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Bournemouth have lost their previous couple games - although both of them were on the road - but they got absolutely spanked by Villa last time out which surprised me.

On the other hand, the Hammers won two in a row before the international break and, although both of those games were at their stadium, they do look strong again.

The Hammers' only on the road victory this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when their manager Nuno was previously Forest manager.

Therefore, what exactly do I predict here - can the Hammers continuing their streak under Nuno, or the home side bouncing back?

I am going to go with Bournemouth, because I think what occurred against Aston Villa was a blip.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Olly's prediction: The home team are performing strongly but the visitors have picked up under their boss. 2-2

The algorithm's pick: 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 impressed a few people under their manager and are in fine fettle with three wins in their past four matches.

A family member told me to select Brentford striker Igor Thiago in my fantasy soccer team a few weeks ago and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.

Thiago will probably find the net again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to select him or support the away side at Brighton's ground.

They have not had much success on the travel this term, and Brighton are always decent at their stadium. Brentford will attempt to hit them on the break but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's team carry much more of a threat.

The analyst's forecast: 2-1

Olly's prediction: This could be a match where you think there is going to be a many goals but it in reality turns out to be quite close. 1-1

AI's prediction: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

This is a huge fixture for the Cottagers, who have suffered defeat in five of their last six games.

Fulham have got plenty of quality in their team but it still feels like they could be dragged into a drop zone fight.

As for the Black Cats, indeed they are the unexpected success of the top flight campaign so far.

The away side's display in the 2-2 tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. We've not witnessed any other team disrupt the Gunners like that this term, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.

The sensible thing would be to back the Black Cats here, because they are obviously able of disrupting Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in this part of London, they beat Chelsea at the close of October.

But I am not going to choose that. Rather, I truly need to carry on opposing the away team with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of responsibility for their positive outcomes because they evidently love to defy my predictions.

Looking at the home side's at Craven Cottage form, the only team they have been defeated by is the league leaders. Their manager's team will be absolutely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to predict they will pick up three much-needed points.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Olly's prediction: I'm aware the visitors are doing well and also that Fulham are on a poor run... but they have nonetheless been decent at Craven Cottage this campaign. 2-0

The algorithm's prediction: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

It is a tough fixture to predict. Liverpool have suffered seven of their past 10 games in all competitions, but might they be among the sides who profit from the {international break|

Emily Brewer
Emily Brewer

A seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in slot machine analysis and gaming optimization.