Soccer Analyst Chris Sutton Takes On Artist Murs in Premier League Predictions
The Gunners' 10-game victorious streak was ended by the Black Cats prior to the global break, but can the English top division leaders bounce back against north London rivals Tottenham this Sunday?
"{I believe like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs manager Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this match," remarked football expert Chris Sutton.
"The Spurs manager will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side typically still find a way to win."
The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, readers and a variety of guests.
For week 12, he faces singer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.
Murs' new album, Knees Up, is available on Friday.
Soccer and Parenting Experiences
Murs is a talented footballer as well as a successful singer and has been a featured player of several charity football games over time - but he is not intending a professional return as a player.
"{I recently played in a charity match the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "My side was losing 3-1 when I came off in the second half, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you want!
"I still love football, but I injured my joint a few years ago and it still hasn't fully recovered. I wish I could play more but the unpredictability of the game means it's too dangerous for me in my profession to do it seriously again.
"Plus I am forty-one 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 time that my daughter or son chooses to play instead."
Murs and his wife Amelia Tank have two children, their daughter and their son, and he is prepared to emulate his dad by taking on the role of their manager.
"I won't force football on our kids but I've already told my wife that if they happen to get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will probably be managing their Saturday football team," he said.
"I watched my nephews play a lot, and I really got into it, and I obviously was involved with a football club for a while too.
"My dad coached with us when I was a kid, which is probably where I inherited it. He coached our side for two or three years and had a wonderful time with it. That might be the future for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"
Premier League Predictions
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
The Blues might have to wait a bit longer for Cole Palmer's return from fitness issues but their offense is now more potent with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both returned to fitness.
In my opinion this game will be fairly close, however. The Clarets are well organised and their sole home losses so far have been against the Reds and Arsenal.
It suggests a one-all tie to me, but I am actually going to choose the London side to edge it for what would be their third league win in a row.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Olly's pick: The Blues will be too strong. 1-3
Artificial intelligence's outlook: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have been defeated in their previous couple matches - although both of them were away - but they got thoroughly beaten by Villa last time out which surprised me.
On the other hand, the Hammers secured back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they appear strong again.
West Ham's sole away win this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was previously that team's manager.
So, what exactly do I predict here - can West Ham continuing their streak under Nuno, or Bournemouth responding?
I will choose Bournemouth, because I think what happened against Villa was a blip.
Sutton's forecast: 2-0
The guest's prediction: The home team are performing strongly but the visitors have picked up under Nuno. 2-2
The algorithm's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Brentford were considered one of the favourites for relegation before the campaign started, but they have impressed a several people under their manager and are in fine fettle with three wins in their past four matches.
A family member told me to get Bees striker Igor Thiago in my fantasy soccer team a few weeks ago and, guess what, I ignored the advice.
Thiago will probably score again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to select him or back Brentford at Amex Stadium.
They have not had much success on the travel this term, and Brighton are consistently decent at their stadium. Brentford will attempt to attack on the break but I think Fabian Hurzeler's side pose much more of a threat.
The analyst's prediction: 2-1
The singer's prediction: It could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a lot of goals but it in reality turns out to be rather tight. 1-1
AI's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a massive fixture for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their last six games.
They have got lots of quality in their team but it nonetheless feels like they could be dragged into a drop zone fight.
As for the Black Cats, indeed they are the unexpected success of the Premier League season so far.
The away side's display in the two-all draw with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We've not seen anyone else rough up the North London side like that this term, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.
The logical choice to do to support the visitors here, because they are clearly able of disrupting Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in this part of London, they beat the Blues at the end of last month.
But I am not choose that. Rather, I really need to continue going against Sunderland with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their good outcomes because they clearly love to prove me wrong.
Considering the home side's at Craven Cottage record, the only team they have lost to is Arsenal. Marco Silva's team will be extremely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three much-needed points.
The expert's forecast: 1-0
Olly's prediction: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and also that Fulham are on a poor streak... but they have nonetheless been decent at home this campaign. 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a hard fixture to call. The Reds have lost seven of their last ten matches in all competitions, but could they be one of the sides who profit from the {international break|