Soccer Analyst Sutton Battles Singer Murs in Premier League Predictions
The Gunners' 10-game victorious run was ended by the Black Cats prior to the global hiatus, but will the English top division leaders recover against local foes Spurs this Sunday?
"{I feel like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this match," stated football specialist Chris Sutton.
"Frank will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's team typically still find a way to win."
The analyst is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, versus AI, fans and a range of special visitors.
In week 12, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.
Murs' latest album, Knees Up, is out on Friday.
Football and Family Life
Murs is a talented footballer as well as a accomplished artist and has been a featured player of multiple Soccer Aid games down the years - but he is not intending a serious return as a player.
"{I actually played in a charity game the other evening for a mate of mine," he explained. "My team 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 unpredictability of the game means it's too dangerous for me in my profession 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."
The singer and his spouse his partner have a young family, their daughter and their son, and he is ready to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of their coach.
"I will not force football on our kids but I've previously told Amelia that if they happen to get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will likely be managing their weekend soccer team," he added.
"I watched my nephews play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I clearly was involved with a football club for a period too.
"My dad coached with us when I was a child, which is probably where I inherited it. He managed our side for two or three 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 Predictions
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 offense is now more potent with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both returned to fitness.
I still think this game will be fairly tight, though. Burnley are disciplined and their sole at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.
This suggests a one-all tie to me, but I am actually going to go with the London side to win narrowly for what would be their third Premier League win in a row.
The expert's forecast: 1-2
Olly's pick: Chelsea will be too strong. 1-3
AI's outlook: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have lost their previous couple matches - although both of them were away - but they got thoroughly beaten by Aston Villa last time out which surprised me.
On the other hand, West Ham secured two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those games were at home, they appear competitive again.
West Ham's only away win this campaign came at Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno was still that team's coach.
Therefore, what on earth do I predict here - can the Hammers extending their streak under their manager, or the home side responding?
I will go with the Cherries, because I think what occurred against Villa was a blip.
Sutton's forecast: 2-0
The guest's outlook: Bournemouth are performing strongly but West Ham have improved under their boss. 2-2
The algorithm's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were considered one of the favourites for the drop before the season began, but they have surprised a few observers under their manager and are in fine fettle with three wins in their past four matches.
A family member told me to get Brentford striker Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks back and, guess what, I ignored the advice.
Thiago will likely score again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to pick him or back the away side at Amex Stadium.
The Bees have not had great fortune on the travel this term, and Brighton are always strong at home. The visitors will attempt to attack on the break but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's team carry much more of a threat.
The analyst's forecast: 2-1
Olly's view: It could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a lot of scores but it actually turns out to be quite close. 1-1
AI's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
It is a massive fixture for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their last six games.
Fulham have have lots of quality in their team but it nonetheless feels like they could be dragged into a relegation battle.
Regarding the Black Cats, indeed they are the unexpected success of the top flight season so far.
The away side's performance in the 2-2 tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. We have not witnessed any other team rough up the North London side like that this term, and Sunderland were fully competitive for them.
The sensible thing to do to back the Black Cats here, because they are clearly able of roughing Fulham up too and, the last time they were in west London, they defeated Chelsea at the close of last month.
However I am not going to choose that. Rather, I truly need to carry on going against Sunderland with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their positive outcomes because they clearly love to prove me wrong.
Looking at Fulham's at Craven Cottage form, the only team they have been defeated by is Arsenal. Their manager's side will be absolutely desperate for a good outcome, so I am going to predict they will secure three points.
The expert's prediction: 1-0
The guest's choice: I'm aware Sunderland are performing strongly and also that the hosts are on a bad streak... but they have still been respectable at Craven Cottage this campaign. 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a tough fixture to call. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten matches in every tournament, but could they be among the sides who profit from the {international break|