Soccer Expert Chris Sutton Faces Off Against Singer Murs in Top Flight Forecasts

The Gunners' ten-match victorious run was ended by Sunderland before the international break, but will the English top division leaders recover against north London rivals Tottenham this weekend?

"{I feel like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs manager Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," remarked soccer expert Chris Sutton.

"Frank will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling best this season - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still manage to win."

Sutton is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, versus AI, readers and a range of special visitors.

In the twelfth round, he faces singer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.

Murs' latest album, Knees Up, is available on Friday.

Soccer and Parenting Life

Olly is a skilled footballer as well as a accomplished artist and has been a star of multiple 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 night for a mate of mine," he explained. "My side was losing 3-1 when I came off in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you want!

"I continue to love football, but I injured my joint a few years ago and it even now hasn't fully recovered. I hope 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 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 moment that my daughter or boy chooses to play instead."

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

"I will not push football on our children but I've already told Amelia that if they happen to 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 observed my relatives play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I clearly owned a football club for a period too.

"My father coached with us when I was a child, which is likely where I get it from. He managed our side for two or three seasons and had a wonderful time 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

Chelsea might have to be patient for Cole Palmer's comeback from fitness issues but their attack is now stronger with Pedro and Delap both returned to fitness.

I still think this fixture will be quite tight, though. The Clarets are well organised and their sole at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against Liverpool and the Gunners.

This suggests a 1-1 tie to me, but I am in fact going to choose the London side to edge it for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.

The expert's forecast: 1-2

Olly's prediction: The Blues will be superior. 1-3

AI's prediction: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Cherries have lost their past two games - although both of them were on the road - but they got absolutely spanked by Villa last time out which surprised me.

In contrast, West Ham secured back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those games were at their stadium, they do look strong again.

West Ham's sole on the road victory this campaign came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was previously Forest coach.

Therefore, what exactly do I go with here - can the Hammers continuing their run under Nuno, or the home side responding?

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

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

The guest's outlook: The home team are doing well but West Ham have improved under their boss. 2-2

AI's pick: 1-1

  • Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Brentford were seen as one of the frontrunners for the drop before the campaign started, but they have surprised a few observers under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three in their past four matches.

A family member told me to get Bees forward Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks ago and, guess what, I ignored the advice.

Thiago will likely score again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to select him or support Brentford at Amex Stadium.

They have not had much fortune on the travel this term, and the Seagulls are consistently decent at home. The visitors will attempt to attack on the counter-attack but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's side pose much more of a danger.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Olly's prediction: It could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a many goals but it in reality proves to be quite close. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

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

Fulham have have lots of talent in their squad but it still feels like they could be dragged into a relegation battle.

As for Sunderland, indeed they are the unexpected success of the top flight campaign so far.

The away side's display in the 2-2 tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. We've not seen any other team disrupt the North London side like that this term, and they were more than a match for them.

The logical choice would be to support the Black Cats here, because they are obviously capable of disrupting the hosts up too and, the last time they were in this part of London, they beat Chelsea at the end of last month.

But I am not choose that. Rather, I really need to continue opposing Sunderland with my predictions. I am taking a lot of credit for their good outcomes because they evidently enjoy to prove me wrong.

Looking at the home side's home form, the sole side they have been defeated by is the league leaders. Marco Silva's team will be extremely eager for a positive result, so I am going to say they will pick up three points.

The expert's prediction: 1-0

Olly's choice: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and additionally that the hosts are on a poor run... but Fulham have nonetheless been decent at home this campaign. 2-0

The algorithm's prediction: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

It is a hard one to call. The Reds have suffered seven of their last ten matches in every tournament, but might they be among the teams who benefit from the {international break|

Ryan Tate
Ryan Tate

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to sharing strategies for personal growth and happiness.