Soccer Analyst Chris Sutton Battles Singer Murs in Top Flight Predictions

Arsenal's ten-match winning run came to an end by the Black Cats prior to the international hiatus, but will the Premier League leaders bounce back against local foes Spurs this weekend?

"{I believe like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," stated football expert Chris Sutton.

"Frank will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's team usually still find a way to win."

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

In week 12, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.

Murs' new album, Knees Up, is available on the weekend.

Football and Parenting Life

Murs is a talented soccer player as well as a accomplished singer and has been a star of multiple charity football matches over time - but he is not intending a serious return as a footballer.

"{I actually played in a benefit match the other evening for a mate of mine," he explained. "My side was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the 60th minute, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you will!

"I still love football, but I hurt my knee a few years ago and it even now isn't where I want it to be. I wish I could play more but the uncertainty 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 everyone is Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very content not playing football and I am preparing for the moment that my child or boy decides to play instead."

Murs and his wife his partner have two children, their daughter and Albert, and he is prepared to emulate his dad by becoming their manager.

"I will not force football on our kids but I've previously told Amelia that if they happen to get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will likely be managing their Saturday soccer team," he added.

"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I obviously was involved with a football club for a while too.

"My father coached with us when I was a kid, which is probably where I inherited it. He managed our side for two or three seasons and had a wonderful time with it. That could be the next step for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"

Premier League Predictions

Saturday, 22 November

  • Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

Chelsea might have to be patient for their star's return from fitness issues but their attack is already more potent with Pedro and Delap both returned to fitness.

In my opinion this game will be fairly close, though. The Clarets are disciplined and their only at Turf Moor losses so far have been against Liverpool and the Gunners.

It smells of a one-all draw to me, but I am actually going to choose Chelsea to edge it for what would be their third Premier League win in a row.

The expert's prediction: 1-2

The singer's prediction: The Blues will be superior. 1-3

Artificial intelligence's prediction: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Bournemouth have lost their previous couple matches - albeit both of them were away - but they got absolutely spanked by Aston Villa last time out which surprised me.

On the other hand, West Ham secured back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they appear competitive again.

West Ham's only on the road win this campaign came at Nottingham Forest in August, when their manager Nuno was still Forest coach.

Therefore, what exactly do I predict here - will it be West Ham extending their run under their manager, or the home side bouncing back?

I will go with the Cherries, because I believe what happened against Aston Villa was a anomaly.

Sutton's forecast: 2-0

The guest's prediction: Bournemouth are performing strongly but the visitors have improved under their boss. 2-2

The algorithm's pick: 1-1

  • Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Bees were considered one of the frontrunners for the drop before the season began, but they have surprised a several people under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three wins in their last four games.

A family member told me to select Brentford striker Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football team a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I ignored the advice.

The forward will probably find the net again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to select him or support Brentford at Amex Stadium.

The Bees have not had great fortune on the road this season, and the Seagulls are always strong at their stadium. Brentford will try to attack on the counter-attack but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's team carry much more of a threat.

Sutton's forecast: 2-1

Olly's view: This could be a match where you expect there is going to be a lot of scores but it in reality turns out to be quite tight. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

It is a huge fixture for Fulham, who have lost five of their past six games.

They have have lots of quality in their team but it nonetheless seems like they could be sucked into a drop zone battle.

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

Their display in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last time out was excellent. We've not seen anyone else disrupt the North London side like that this season, and they were fully competitive for them.

The logical choice to do to support the visitors here, because they are obviously capable of disrupting the hosts up too and, the last time they were in west London, they defeated Chelsea at the close of October.

However I am not going to do that. Rather, I really need to continue going against the away team with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their positive results because they clearly love to prove me wrong.

Looking at the home side's at Craven Cottage form, the sole team they have lost to is Arsenal. Their manager's team will be absolutely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to predict they will secure three much-needed points.

The expert's prediction: 1-0

The guest's prediction: I'm aware the visitors are doing well and also that Fulham are on a bad streak... but Fulham have still been decent at home this campaign. 2-0

AI's prediction: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a hard one to predict. Liverpool have lost seven of their last ten games in all competitions, but might they be one of the teams who profit from the {international break|

Ricky Daniels
Ricky Daniels

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for exploring innovative solutions and sharing practical advice for modern living.