Soccer Analyst Sutton Takes On Artist Olly Murs in Top Flight Forecasts

The Gunners' 10-game victorious run came to an end by the Black Cats prior to the international break, but can the English top division leaders bounce back against local foes Spurs this Sunday?

"{I believe like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this match," stated soccer expert Chris Sutton.

"Frank will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling finest this season - but Mikel Arteta's team usually still find a way to win."

The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this term, versus AI, fans and a variety of guests.

For week 12, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.

Murs' new album, Knees Up, is available on the weekend.

Football and Family Experiences

Olly is a skilled footballer as well as a successful artist and has been a star of multiple charity football games down the years - but he is not planning a professional comeback as a player.

"{I recently played in a benefit match the other night for a mate of mine," he explained. "The side was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the second half, and they went on 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 uncertainty of the sport means it's too risky for me in my career 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 boy decides to play instead."

The singer and his wife his partner have two children, Madison and their son, and he is prepared to emulate his dad by becoming their coach.

"I won't force football on our children but I've previously told my wife that if they happen to get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will likely be coaching their weekend soccer side," he said.

"I observed my relatives play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I obviously owned a football club for a period too.

"My father coached with us when I was a kid, which is probably where I get it from. He managed our team for several seasons and had great fun with it. That could be the future for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"

Top Division Forecasts

Saturday, 22 November

  • Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

The Blues may have to be patient for Cole Palmer's return from fitness issues but their attack is now more potent with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.

I still think this fixture will be fairly close, however. The Clarets are disciplined and their sole home losses so far have been against the Reds and Arsenal.

It smells of a 1-1 tie to me, but I am in fact going to go with Chelsea to edge it for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

The singer's pick: Chelsea will be superior. 1-3

Artificial intelligence's prediction: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Bournemouth have lost their previous couple games - although both of them were on the road - but they got thoroughly beaten by Villa last time out which shocked me.

On the other hand, the Hammers won two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they do look competitive again.

The Hammers' sole on the road win this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham boss Nuno was still that team's manager.

So, what exactly do I go with here - can the Hammers continuing their streak under Nuno, or Bournemouth bouncing back?

I am going to choose the Cherries, because I think what occurred against Aston Villa was a anomaly.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Olly's prediction: Bournemouth are doing well but West Ham have improved under Nuno. 2-2

AI's prediction: 1-1

  • Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Brentford were considered one of the frontrunners for relegation before the campaign started, but they have surprised a few people under their manager and are in good form with three in their last four matches.

My son told me to get Bees striker Igor Thiago in my fantasy soccer squad a few weeks ago and, unfortunately, I ignored the advice.

The forward will likely find the net again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to select him or support Brentford at Brighton's ground.

They have not had much fortune on the road this season, and the Seagulls are always decent at their stadium. Brentford will try to attack on the break but I feel the home manager's team pose much more of a danger.

The analyst's forecast: 2-1

Olly's prediction: This could be a match 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 prediction: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

It is a massive game for the Cottagers, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six matches.

They have have lots of quality in their squad but it nonetheless feels like they could be dragged into a relegation fight.

Regarding the Black Cats, indeed they are the unexpected success of the Premier League campaign so far.

Their performance in the two-all tie with Arsenal last time out was excellent. We have not witnessed any other team disrupt the Gunners like that this term, and Sunderland were fully competitive for them.

The logical choice to do to support the visitors here, because they are clearly capable of roughing the hosts up too and, the last time they were in west London, they beat the Blues at the end of last month.

However I am not do that. Instead, I truly need to carry on opposing the away team with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their good results because they clearly love to defy my predictions.

Looking at Fulham's home record, the only side they have lost to is the league leaders. Their manager's side will be extremely eager for a positive outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three points.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Olly's prediction: I'm aware Sunderland are performing strongly and additionally that the hosts are on a bad streak... but they have nonetheless been decent at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0

The algorithm's prediction: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a hard fixture to predict. Liverpool have lost seven of their past 10 matches in all competitions, but might they be one of the teams who profit from the {international break|

Emily Dennis
Emily Dennis

A productivity coach and mindfulness advocate with over a decade of experience helping individuals unlock their potential through structured routines.