Football Expert Chris Sutton Takes On Artist Olly Murs in Premier League Forecasts
Arsenal's ten-match winning run came to an end by the Black Cats prior to the global break, but can the English top division frontrunners bounce back against north London rivals Tottenham this weekend?
"{I feel like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," remarked soccer expert Chris Sutton.
"Frank will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still manage to win."
The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against artificial intelligence, fans and a range of special visitors.
For the twelfth round, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.
The singer's new album, Knees Up, is available on the weekend.
Soccer and Family Experiences
Olly is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a featured player of several Soccer Aid games over time - but he is not intending a professional comeback as a footballer.
"{I recently played in a benefit match the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "The team was losing 3-1 when I was substituted in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you will!
"I continue to love football, but I hurt my joint a few years ago and it still hasn't fully recovered. I wish I could play more but the uncertainty of the game means it's too dangerous for me in my profession to do it properly again.
"Additionally I am forty-one now, and we are not everyone is Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very happy not playing football and I am gearing up for the time that my daughter or son decides to play instead."
Murs and his spouse his partner have two children, their daughter and Albert, and he is ready to emulate his dad by taking on the role of their coach.
"I will not push football on our children 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 coaching their Saturday football side," he added.
"I observed my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I obviously owned a soccer team for a period too.
"My father did it with us when I was a child, which is likely where I inherited it. 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 Predictions
Weekend, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
The Blues might have to be patient for their star's return from fitness issues but their attack is now more potent with Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
I still think this fixture will be fairly close, though. Burnley are well organised and their only home losses so far have been against the Reds and Arsenal.
This suggests a 1-1 draw to me, but I am actually going to go with Chelsea to win narrowly for what would be their third Premier League win in a row.
Sutton's forecast: 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 past two matches - although both of them were away - but they got absolutely spanked by Villa last time out which shocked me.
On the other hand, the Hammers secured two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they appear competitive again.
West Ham's sole on the road victory this campaign came at Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno was previously Forest coach.
So, what exactly do I predict here - can the Hammers continuing their streak under their manager, or the home side responding?
I will go with Bournemouth, because I believe what occurred against Villa was a blip.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Olly's outlook: 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 the drop before the season began, but they have impressed a several observers under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three in their last four games.
A family member told me to select Brentford striker Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks ago and, guess what, I didn't listen.
Thiago will likely score again on the weekend but I am still not going to pick him or back the away side at Amex Stadium.
They have not had great fortune on the road this season, and the Seagulls are consistently decent at their stadium. The visitors will attempt to hit them on the counter-attack but I think Fabian Hurzeler's side pose much more of a danger.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Olly's view: It could be a match where you think there is going to be a lot of goals but it in reality turns out to be quite close. 1-1
The computer's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a massive fixture 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 still feels like they could be dragged into a drop zone battle.
As for the Black Cats, well they are the surprise package of the top flight season so far.
Their display in the two-all tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. We've not seen any other team rough up the North London side like that this season, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.
The sensible thing would be to support the Black Cats here, because they are obviously able of roughing Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they beat Chelsea at the end of last month.
But I am not going to do that. Instead, I really need to carry on 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 the home side's at Craven Cottage record, the only side they have lost to is the league leaders. Marco Silva's side will be absolutely desperate for a positive result, so I am going to say they will pick up three much-needed points.
Sutton's forecast: 1-0
The guest's prediction: I know the visitors are performing strongly and also that Fulham are on a poor run... but they have still been decent at home this campaign. 2-0
AI's outlook: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a hard fixture to call. Liverpool have lost seven of their last ten matches in all competitions, but could they be among the sides who benefit from the {international break|