Football Analyst Chris Sutton Faces Off Against Singer Murs in Top Flight Forecasts
Arsenal's ten-match victorious run was ended by the Black Cats prior to the international hiatus, but can the Premier League frontrunners recover against local foes Tottenham this weekend?
"{I feel like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs manager Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this match," stated football specialist Chris Sutton.
"Frank will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still manage to win."
The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this term, against AI, fans and a variety of special visitors.
In week 12, he takes on singer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.
Murs' new album, Knees Up, is available on the weekend.
Soccer and Parenting Life
Murs is a talented footballer as well as a accomplished artist and has been a star of several Soccer Aid games over time - but he is not intending a professional return as a footballer.
"{I actually played in a charity game the other evening for a mate of mine," he explained. "My team was trailing 3-1 when I came off in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you want!
"I still love football, but I injured my knee a few years ago and it still isn't where I want it to be. I wish I could play more but the uncertainty of the sport means it's too risky for me in my profession to do it properly 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 preparing for the moment that my child or son decides to play instead."
Murs and his wife Amelia Tank have two children, Madison and Albert, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming their manager.
"I won't force football on our kids but I've already told Amelia that if they happen to get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my manager qualifications - and I will probably be managing their weekend soccer team," he said.
"I watched my nephews play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I clearly was involved with a soccer team for a while too.
"My father did it with us when I was a kid, which is probably where I get it from. He managed our team for two or three seasons and had great fun with it. That could be the future for me as well, and I am excited to it!"
Top Division Predictions
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
Chelsea may have to be patient for their star's return from injury but their attack is already stronger with Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
In my opinion this fixture will be quite close, however. The Clarets are well organised and their sole home losses so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.
It suggests a one-all tie to me, but I am in fact going to go with Chelsea to edge it for what would be their third consecutive league win in a row.
Sutton's forecast: 1-2
Olly's prediction: Chelsea will be superior. 1-3
Artificial intelligence's prediction: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have lost their previous couple matches - although both of them were away - but they got absolutely spanked by Aston Villa last time out which surprised me.
In contrast, West Ham won two in a row before the international break and, although both of those games were at home, they do look competitive again.
West Ham's only on the road victory this campaign came at Forest in August, when their manager Nuno Espirito Santo was still Forest manager.
So, what on earth do I predict here - can the Hammers extending their streak 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
The guest's prediction: Bournemouth are doing well but West Ham have picked up under their boss. 2-2
The algorithm's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Brentford were considered one of the frontrunners for relegation before the season started, but they have surprised a several people under Keith Andrews and are in fine fettle with three in their past four games.
A family member advised me to get Bees forward Thiago in my fantasy soccer team a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I ignored the advice.
Thiago will probably score 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 fortune on the travel this season, and Brighton are always decent at their stadium. The visitors will attempt to attack on the break but I think the home manager's side carry much more of a threat.
The analyst's prediction: 2-1
Olly's view: This could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a many scores but it actually proves to be rather close. 1-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a huge game for Fulham, who have lost five of their past six matches.
Fulham have got lots of talent in their team but it still feels like they could be sucked into a drop zone battle.
Regarding the Black Cats, indeed they are the unexpected success of the Premier League season so far.
Their display in the two-all draw with the Gunners last time out was superb. We have not seen any other team rough up the North London side like that this term, and they were more than a match for them.
The logical choice would be to support the visitors here, because they are obviously able of roughing the hosts up too and, the last time they were in this part of London, they beat Chelsea at the end of October.
However I am not going to do that. Instead, I really need to carry on opposing the away team with my predictions. I am taking a lot of credit for their positive outcomes because they clearly enjoy to defy my predictions.
Looking at Fulham's home form, the only side they have lost to is the league leaders. Marco Silva's team will be absolutely eager for a positive outcome, so I am going to predict they will pick up three much-needed points.
The expert's forecast: 1-0
Olly's prediction: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and additionally that Fulham are on a bad streak... but they have still been decent at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0
The algorithm's outlook: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a hard one to call. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten matches in all competitions, but could they be among the sides who benefit from the {international break|
