Soccer Analyst Sutton Takes On Singer Murs in Premier League Forecasts
The Gunners' ten-match victorious run came to an end by Sunderland before the international break, but will the English top division leaders recover against north London rivals Spurs this weekend?
"{I feel like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this game," remarked soccer specialist Chris Sutton.
"Frank 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 games this term, against artificial intelligence, readers and a range of special visitors.
In week 12, he faces singer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.
Murs' new record, Knees Up, is out on Friday.
Soccer and Family Life
Murs is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a star of multiple charity football games over time - but he is not planning a serious return as a footballer.
"{I recently played in a benefit game the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "My side was trailing 3-1 when I came off in the second half, and they proceeded 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 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 dangerous for me in my profession to do it seriously again.
"Plus I am 41 now, and we are not all Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very happy not playing football and I am gearing up for the moment that my daughter or son decides to play instead."
The singer and his spouse Amelia Tank have a young family, Madison and their son, and he is ready to emulate his dad by taking on the role of their manager.
"I will not force football on our children but I've previously told my wife 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 coaching their weekend football team," 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 father did it with us when I was a child, which is probably where I get it from. He managed our side for several years 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
Weekend, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
The Blues might have to wait a bit longer for Cole Palmer's return from injury but their attack is already stronger with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
In my opinion this game will be fairly close, however. Burnley are disciplined and their sole home losses so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.
This smells of a 1-1 tie to me, but I am actually going to go with Chelsea to edge it for what would be their third Premier League win in a row.
The expert's forecast: 1-2
The singer's pick: Chelsea will be too strong. 1-3
AI's outlook: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have been defeated in their previous couple games - although both of them were away - but they got absolutely spanked by 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 do look competitive again.
West Ham's sole away win this campaign came at Nottingham Forest in the summer, when West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was previously that team's coach.
So, what exactly do I predict here - will it be West Ham continuing their run under Nuno, or the home side responding?
I am going to choose Bournemouth, because I think what occurred against Aston Villa was a anomaly.
The pundit's forecast: 2-0
Olly's outlook: Bournemouth are doing well but West Ham have picked up under Nuno. 2-2
AI's prediction: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Brentford were seen as one of the frontrunners for relegation before the campaign started, but they have impressed a few people under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three wins in their past four games.
A family member told me to get Brentford forward Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I ignored the advice.
The forward will probably find the net again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to pick him or support the away side at Brighton's ground.
They have not had great fortune on the road this term, and Brighton are always strong at their stadium. The visitors will attempt to attack on the break but I think the home manager's side pose much more of a danger.
Sutton's forecast: 2-1
Olly's prediction: It could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a lot of scores but it actually turns out to be quite close. 1-1
The computer's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
It is a huge fixture for Fulham, who have lost five of their last six matches.
Fulham have got plenty of quality in their team but it nonetheless feels like they could be dragged into a relegation battle.
As for the Black Cats, indeed they are the unexpected success of the top flight campaign so far.
Their performance in the 2-2 draw 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 fully competitive for them.
The sensible thing would be to back 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 Chelsea at the close of last month.
However I am not do that. Instead, I really need to continue opposing the away team with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of responsibility for their good outcomes because they clearly enjoy to defy my predictions.
Looking at the home side's home record, the only team they have been defeated by is the league leaders. Marco Silva's team will be extremely desperate for a positive result, so I am going to say they will secure three points.
The expert's prediction: 1-0
The guest's prediction: I know Sunderland are doing well and also that the hosts are on a poor streak... but they have nonetheless been respectable at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0
The algorithm's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
This is a tough fixture to predict. Liverpool have suffered seven of their past 10 matches in all competitions, but could they be among the teams who profit from the {international break|