Soccer Expert Chris Sutton Battles Singer Murs in Premier League Predictions
Arsenal's ten-match victorious run was ended by the Black Cats before the global hiatus, but can the English top division leaders recover against local foes Tottenham this weekend?
"{I feel like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this match," remarked soccer specialist Chris Sutton.
"The Spurs manager will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling best this season - but Mikel Arteta's team usually still manage to win."
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this season, against artificial intelligence, fans and a variety of special visitors.
For week 12, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.
The singer's latest record, the new release, is available on Friday.
Soccer and Family Life
Olly is a talented soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a featured player of several charity football matches over time - but he is not planning a serious comeback as a player.
"{I recently played in a charity game the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "My team was losing 3-1 when I was substituted in the second half, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can read into that what you want!
"I continue to love football, but I hurt my knee a few years ago and it even now 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 seriously again.
"Additionally I am forty-one now, and we are not all Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very content not playing football and I am preparing for the moment that my daughter or boy chooses to play instead."
Murs and his wife Amelia Tank have a young family, Madison and their son, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming their manager.
"I will not push football on our children but I've already 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 likely be managing their Saturday soccer team," he added.
"I watched my nephews play a lot, and I really got into it, and I obviously owned a football club for a while too.
"My dad did it with us when I was a child, which is likely where I get it from. He coached our side for two or three seasons and had a wonderful time with it. That might 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
Chelsea may have to be patient for their star's return from injury but their offense is already stronger with Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
In my opinion this fixture will be fairly tight, though. The Clarets are disciplined and their only at Turf Moor losses so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.
This smells of a 1-1 tie to me, but I am actually going to choose 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 too strong. 1-3
Artificial intelligence's outlook: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have been defeated in their previous couple 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, the Hammers won two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those games were at home, they appear competitive again.
West Ham's sole on the road victory this campaign came at Forest in the summer, when their boss Nuno was still that team's coach.
So, what exactly do I go with here - can the Hammers extending their run under their manager, or the home side bouncing back?
I am going to go with the Cherries, because I think what occurred against Aston Villa was a blip.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
The guest's outlook: Bournemouth are doing well but the visitors have improved under their boss. 2-2
AI's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Brentford were seen as one of the favourites for the drop before the season started, but they have surprised a several people under Keith Andrews and are in fine fettle with three in their past four games.
My son advised me to select Bees striker Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks ago and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.
Thiago will probably find the net again on Saturday but I am still not going to select him or back the away side at Brighton's ground.
The Bees have not had much success on the travel this season, and the Seagulls are always decent at home. Brentford will attempt to hit them on the break but I feel the home manager's side pose much more of a danger.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
The singer's view: This could be a match where you think there is going to be a many goals but it in reality turns out to be rather close. 1-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
It is a huge fixture for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their last six matches.
Fulham have got lots of quality in their squad but it nonetheless seems like they could be sucked into a drop zone battle.
Regarding Sunderland, well they are the surprise package of the top flight season so far.
Their performance in the 2-2 tie with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We have 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 to do to back the visitors here, because they are obviously capable of disrupting the hosts up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they beat Chelsea at the close of last month.
However I am not do that. Rather, I truly need to continue opposing Sunderland with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of responsibility for their positive outcomes because they clearly love to prove me wrong.
Considering the home side's at Craven Cottage record, the sole side they have lost to is Arsenal. Their manager's side will be absolutely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three much-needed points.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Olly's prediction: I'm aware the visitors are doing well and additionally that the hosts are on a bad streak... but Fulham have nonetheless been respectable at home this season. 2-0
The algorithm's outlook: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a tough one to call. Liverpool have lost seven of their last ten games in every tournament, but could they be among the sides who benefit from the {international break|