Soccer Expert Sutton Takes On Artist Murs in Premier League Predictions

The Gunners' 10-game winning run was ended by the Black Cats prior to the global break, but can the Premier League leaders bounce back against local foes Spurs this Sunday?

"{I believe like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this match," remarked football specialist Chris Sutton.

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

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

In the twelfth round, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United supporter.

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

Soccer and Parenting Life

Murs is a talented footballer as well as a accomplished singer and has been a star of several Soccer Aid games down the years - but he is not planning a serious return as a footballer.

"{I recently played in a charity match the other evening for a friend of mine," he said. "The side was losing 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 continue to love football, but I hurt my joint a few years ago and it still isn't where I want it to be. I wish 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 41 now, and we are not everyone is Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very content not playing football and I am gearing up for the time that my child or boy decides to play instead."

The singer and his spouse his partner have a young family, Madison and their son, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of their coach.

"I won't force football on our children 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 manager qualifications - and I will probably be managing their Saturday football side," he added.

"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I clearly 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 get it from. He managed our team for two or three seasons and had a wonderful time with it. That might be the next step for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"

Top Division Predictions

Weekend, 22 November

  • Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

Chelsea may have to be patient for their star's comeback from injury but their attack is now stronger with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both returned to fitness.

In my opinion this fixture will be fairly tight, though. The Clarets are disciplined and their only home losses so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.

This suggests a 1-1 draw to me, but I am in fact going to go with Chelsea to edge it for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.

The expert's forecast: 1-2

The singer's pick: The Blues will be too strong. 1-3

AI's outlook: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Bournemouth have been defeated in their past two games - albeit 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 back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those games were at home, they do look competitive again.

The Hammers' sole away victory this season came at Forest in August, when their boss Nuno was previously Forest manager.

So, what on earth do I predict here - will it be West Ham extending their run under their manager, or Bournemouth responding?

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

The pundit's forecast: 2-0

Olly's outlook: Bournemouth are doing well but the visitors have improved under Nuno. 2-2

AI's pick: 1-1

  • Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Brentford were seen as one of the favourites for relegation before the campaign began, but they have impressed a several observers under their manager and are in fine fettle with three in their past four matches.

A family member advised me to get Bees forward Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks ago and, guess what, I didn't listen.

Thiago will likely score again on Saturday but I am still not going to select him or support the away side at Brighton's ground.

They have not had much success on the road this season, and the Seagulls are always strong at their stadium. The visitors will attempt to hit them on the break but I think the home manager's team pose much more of a danger.

Sutton's forecast: 2-1

Olly's view: This could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a many scores but it actually proves to be rather tight. 1-1

The computer's outcome: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

It is a massive game for Fulham, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six games.

They have have plenty of talent in their team but it still feels like they could be sucked into a relegation fight.

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

The away side's display in the two-all tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. We have not witnessed any other team disrupt the North London side like that this term, and they were more than a match for them.

The sensible thing would be to support the visitors here, because they are obviously capable of disrupting Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they defeated Chelsea at the end of October.

But I am not choose that. Instead, I truly need to carry on going against Sunderland with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of responsibility for their good outcomes because they clearly enjoy to defy my predictions.

Looking at Fulham's home form, the sole side they have lost to is the league leaders. Marco Silva's team will be absolutely desperate for a good outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three much-needed points.

Sutton's forecast: 1-0

Olly's choice: I'm aware Sunderland are performing strongly and additionally that Fulham are on a poor run... but they have nonetheless been respectable at home this season. 2-0

AI's outlook: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a hard fixture to predict. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten games in every tournament, but could they be among the sides who profit from the {international break|

James Simpson
James Simpson

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on daily life.