Soccer Expert Chris Sutton Battles Artist Olly Murs in Premier League Predictions
Arsenal's ten-match winning run came to an end by the Black Cats before the global break, however will the Premier League frontrunners recover against local foes Tottenham this weekend?
"{I believe like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs manager Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," remarked soccer expert Chris Sutton.
"The Spurs manager will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's team typically still manage to win."
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, against AI, fans and a range of guests.
For the twelfth round, he takes on singer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United supporter.
The singer's latest album, the new release, is available on the weekend.
Football and Parenting Life
Murs is a talented footballer as well as a successful artist and has been a featured player of several charity football games over time - but he is not intending a serious return as a footballer.
"{I actually played in a benefit game the other night for a mate of mine," he explained. "The side was losing 3-1 when I came off in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can read into that what you will!
"I continue to love football, but I hurt my joint a few years ago and it even now isn't where I want it to be. I hope 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 child or boy decides to play instead."
Murs and his spouse Amelia Tank have a young family, Madison and Albert, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of their manager.
"I won't push football on our kids but I've previously told Amelia that if they do get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my manager qualifications - and I will probably be managing their Saturday soccer side," he added.
"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 child, which is probably where I inherited it. He managed our side for several seasons and had a wonderful time 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
The Blues may have to be patient for their star's return from fitness issues but their offense is already stronger with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
I still think this fixture will be quite close, though. The Clarets are well organised and their only home defeats 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 the London side to edge it for what would be their third consecutive league win in a row.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Olly's prediction: The Blues will be too strong. 1-3
AI'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 thoroughly beaten by Villa last time out which surprised me.
On the other hand, West Ham secured back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they appear competitive again.
West Ham's sole on the road win this campaign came at Forest in the summer, when West Ham manager Nuno was still Forest manager.
So, what exactly do I predict here - will it be West Ham continuing their streak under Nuno, or the home side bouncing back?
I am going to choose Bournemouth, because I think what happened against Villa was a anomaly.
Sutton's forecast: 2-0
Olly's outlook: The home team are performing strongly but the visitors have picked up under their boss. 2-2
The algorithm's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were considered one of the frontrunners for relegation before the season began, but they have impressed a several observers under their manager and are in good form with three wins in their last four games.
A family member told me to get Bees forward Thiago in my fantasy soccer squad a few weeks ago and, guess what, I didn't listen.
Thiago will likely find the net again on the weekend but I am still not going to pick him or support Brentford at Brighton's ground.
The Bees have not had much success on the travel this season, and the Seagulls are consistently decent at their stadium. Brentford will try to attack on the counter-attack but I think Fabian Hurzeler's team carry much more of a threat.
Sutton's forecast: 2-1
The singer's prediction: This could be a match where you expect there is going to be a many scores but it in reality proves to be rather tight. 1-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
It is a huge fixture for Fulham, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six games.
They have got plenty of talent in their squad but it still seems like they could be dragged into a drop zone fight.
Regarding the Black Cats, well they are the unexpected success of the top flight season so far.
Their performance in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We've not seen anyone else disrupt 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 Black Cats here, because they are obviously able of disrupting the hosts up too and, the previous occasion they were in this part of London, they beat Chelsea at the close of October.
But I am not going to do that. Rather, I really need to continue going against Sunderland with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of responsibility for their positive outcomes because they evidently enjoy to defy my predictions.
Looking at Fulham's at Craven Cottage record, the sole side they have been defeated by is Arsenal. Their manager's side will be extremely desperate for a good result, so I am going to say they will pick up three much-needed points.
The expert's forecast: 1-0
Olly's choice: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and also that Fulham are on a bad streak... but Fulham have still been decent at home this campaign. 2-0
AI's outlook: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
This is a hard one to predict. The Reds have lost seven of their past 10 matches in every tournament, but might they be among the sides who benefit from the {international break|