Football Expert Sutton Battles Singer Olly Murs in Premier League Predictions
Arsenal's ten-match victorious run was ended by the Black Cats before the global break, however will the English top division frontrunners bounce back against local foes Spurs this Sunday?
"{I believe like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," stated football specialist Chris Sutton.
"Frank will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still manage to win."
Sutton is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this season, versus AI, fans and a range of guests.
For week 12, he takes on singer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.
The singer's new album, Knees Up, is out on the weekend.
Soccer and Parenting Life
Murs is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a featured player of multiple charity football games over time - but he is not intending a professional comeback as a footballer.
"{I actually played in a charity game the other evening for a friend of mine," he explained. "The side was trailing 3-1 when I came off in the 60th minute, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you want!
"I continue to love football, but I injured 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 risky for me in my career 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 daughter or son chooses to play instead."
The singer and his wife his partner have two children, Madison and their son, and he is ready to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of their manager.
"I will not push football on our children but I've previously told Amelia that if they do get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will probably be managing their Saturday soccer team," he said.
"I observed my nephews play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I obviously was involved with 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 managed our side for two or three years and had great fun 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 wait a bit longer for their star's return from injury but their attack is now stronger with Pedro and Delap both back fit.
In my opinion this fixture will be quite close, however. Burnley are disciplined and their only at Turf Moor losses so far have been against the Reds and Arsenal.
It suggests a one-all tie to me, but I am in fact going to go with the London side to win narrowly for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.
The expert's forecast: 1-2
Olly's pick: Chelsea will be superior. 1-3
AI's outlook: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have been defeated in their previous couple matches - although both of them were on the road - but they got thoroughly beaten by Aston Villa last time out which shocked me.
On the other hand, the Hammers secured back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those games were at home, they do look strong again.
West Ham's only away victory this season came at Forest in August, when their manager Nuno was still that team's coach.
Therefore, what on earth do I predict here - will it be the Hammers continuing their run under their manager, or Bournemouth responding?
I will go with Bournemouth, because I believe what occurred against Villa was a anomaly.
The pundit's prediction: 2-0
Olly's prediction: The home team are doing well but West Ham have improved under Nuno. 2-2
AI's prediction: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were considered one of the favourites for relegation before the campaign began, but they have impressed a few observers under their manager and are in good form with three wins in their past four matches.
My son advised me to select Bees striker Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football team a few weeks ago and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.
Thiago will likely score again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to select him or back the away side at Amex Stadium.
The Bees have not had great success on the road this term, and Brighton are consistently decent at home. The visitors will attempt to attack on the counter-attack but I think the home manager's side carry much more of a danger.
The analyst's prediction: 2-1
The singer's view: This could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a many goals but it in reality turns out to be quite tight. 1-1
AI's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a huge fixture for the Cottagers, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six matches.
They have got plenty of quality in their team but it nonetheless feels like they could be dragged into a drop zone fight.
As for the Black Cats, well they are the surprise package of the Premier League campaign so far.
Their performance in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We have not seen anyone else rough up the Gunners like that this season, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.
The sensible thing would be to back the visitors here, because they are clearly able of disrupting 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 continue going against Sunderland with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of credit for their positive outcomes because they evidently love to prove me wrong.
Considering Fulham's at Craven Cottage form, the sole side they have lost to is the league leaders. Marco Silva's team will be absolutely eager for a good outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three much-needed points.
The expert's prediction: 1-0
Olly's prediction: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and also that the hosts are on a bad streak... but Fulham have nonetheless been decent at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0
The algorithm's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a tough one to predict. Liverpool have lost seven of their last ten games in every tournament, but might they be one of the teams who benefit from the {international break|
