Soccer Analyst Sutton Takes On Artist Murs in Premier League Forecasts

The Gunners' ten-match winning streak came to an end by Sunderland before the global break, but will the Premier League frontrunners bounce back against north London rivals Tottenham this weekend?

"{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," stated soccer expert Chris Sutton.

"The Spurs manager will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this season - but Mikel Arteta's team usually still manage to win."

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, against AI, fans and a range of special visitors.

For the twelfth round, he takes on performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United supporter.

Murs' new album, the new release, is out on Friday.

Soccer and Family Life

Olly is a skilled footballer as well as a successful singer and has been a star of several Soccer Aid matches over time - but he is not intending a professional comeback as a player.

"{I actually played in a charity match the other evening for a friend of mine," he explained. "My team 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 want!

"I still love football, but I hurt 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 unpredictability of the game means it's too risky for me in my career 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 moment that my child or boy decides to play instead."

The singer and his spouse Amelia Tank have a young family, their daughter and Albert, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming their coach.

"I will not push 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 coaching badges - and I will probably be coaching their weekend soccer team," he said.

"I observed my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I clearly was involved with a football club for a period too.

"My dad coached with us when I was a kid, which is likely where I get it from. He managed our side for several 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

The Blues might have to wait a bit longer for their star's return from injury but their offense is now stronger with Joao Pedro and Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this game will be fairly close, however. The Clarets are well organised and their only home losses so far have been against the Reds and Arsenal.

This suggests a one-all draw to me, but I am in fact going to choose the London side to edge it for what would be their third consecutive league win in a row.

The expert's forecast: 1-2

Olly's prediction: Chelsea will be too strong. 1-3

Artificial intelligence's prediction: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Cherries have lost their past two matches - albeit 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, West Ham won two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those games were at their stadium, they appear competitive again.

The Hammers' only on the road win this season came at Nottingham Forest in the summer, when West Ham boss Nuno was still Forest manager.

So, what on earth do I go with here - can the Hammers continuing their run under Nuno, or the home side responding?

I am going to go with Bournemouth, because I think what occurred against Aston Villa was a anomaly.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

The guest's prediction: The home team are doing well but West Ham have improved under Nuno. 2-2

AI's pick: 1-1

  • Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

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

A family member told me to select Brentford forward Igor Thiago in my fantasy soccer team a few weeks ago and, guess what, 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 back the away side at Amex Stadium.

They have not had much success on the travel this term, and the Seagulls are always strong at home. Brentford will try to hit them on the counter-attack but I think the home manager's side carry much more of a threat.

The analyst's prediction: 2-1

Olly's prediction: This could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a lot of goals but it actually turns out to be rather close. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

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

They have have lots of talent in their team but it still feels like they could be dragged into a drop zone battle.

Regarding Sunderland, indeed they are the surprise package of the Premier League season so far.

The away side's performance in the two-all tie with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We've not witnessed anyone else disrupt the Gunners like that this season, and Sunderland were fully competitive for them.

The sensible thing would be to back the Black Cats here, because they are obviously capable of roughing Fulham up too and, the last time they were in this part of London, they defeated the Blues at the end of last month.

However I am not going to do that. Rather, I really need to carry on going against the away team with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their good outcomes because they evidently love to defy my predictions.

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

The expert's prediction: 1-0

The guest's choice: I know Sunderland are performing strongly and also that the hosts are on a poor streak... but Fulham have still been respectable at Craven Cottage this campaign. 2-0

AI's outlook: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a tough one to call. The Reds have lost seven of their past 10 games in every tournament, but could they be one of the sides who benefit from the {international break|

Thomas Hanson
Thomas Hanson

A seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in gaming analysis and player psychology.