Soccer Analyst Sutton Takes On Singer Murs in Premier League Predictions

Arsenal's 10-game winning run came to an end by Sunderland before the global hiatus, but will the Premier League leaders recover against north London rivals Spurs this Sunday?

"{I feel like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs manager Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this game," stated soccer expert Chris Sutton.

"The Spurs manager will attempt to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still manage to win."

The analyst is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this term, versus artificial intelligence, readers and a range of special visitors.

In week 12, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.

The singer's new record, the new release, is out on Friday.

Football and Family Life

Olly is a skilled footballer as well as a accomplished singer and has been a featured player of several charity football games over time - but he is not intending a professional return as a footballer.

"{I recently played in a charity game the other night for a friend of mine," he said. "My side was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the second half, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you will!

"I still love football, but I injured my knee 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 risky for me in my profession to do it seriously again.

"Additionally 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 child or boy decides to play instead."

The singer and his wife Amelia Tank have a young family, their daughter and their son, and he is ready to emulate his dad by taking on the role of their manager.

"I won't force football on our children but I've previously told my wife that if they do get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my manager qualifications - and I will probably be managing their Saturday soccer team," he said.

"I observed my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I obviously was involved with a football club for a while too.

"My dad coached with us when I was a child, which is probably where I inherited it. He managed our side for several seasons and had a wonderful time with it. That might be the next step for me as well, and I am excited to it!"

Top Division Forecasts

Weekend, 22 November

• Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

The Blues may have to be patient for Cole Palmer's return from fitness issues but their attack is already more potent with Pedro and Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this fixture will be fairly close, however. The Clarets are well organised 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 in fact going to choose the London side to edge it for what would be their third league win in a row.

Sutton's forecast: 1-2

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

Artificial intelligence's prediction: 0-2

• Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Cherries have lost their previous couple games - although both of them were away - but they got absolutely spanked by Villa last time out which shocked me.

In contrast, the Hammers won back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they appear strong 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 Forest coach.

So, what on earth do I predict here - will it be the Hammers extending their run under their manager, or Bournemouth bouncing back?

I am going to choose Bournemouth, because I believe what occurred against Villa was a anomaly.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

The guest's outlook: Bournemouth are performing strongly but West Ham have picked up under Nuno. 2-2

The algorithm's prediction: 1-1

• Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Brentford were seen as one of the frontrunners for relegation before the campaign began, but they have surprised a several people under their manager and are in fine fettle with three wins in their past four matches.

My son advised me to select Brentford striker Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football team a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.

The forward will probably find the net again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to select him or back the away side at Brighton's ground.

The Bees have not had great fortune on the road this season, and Brighton are always strong at home. The visitors will try to attack on the break but I think Fabian Hurzeler's side carry much more of a threat.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

The singer's prediction: It could be a match where you think there is going to be a lot of goals but it actually proves to be rather close. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

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

Fulham have have lots of quality in their squad but it nonetheless feels like they could be sucked into a drop zone battle.

As for Sunderland, well they are the surprise package of the top flight season so far.

Their display in the 2-2 tie with Arsenal last time out was excellent. We've not seen anyone else rough up the North London side like that this term, and Sunderland were fully competitive for them.

The logical choice would be to support the visitors here, because they are clearly capable of roughing Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in this part of London, they defeated the Blues at the end of October.

But I am not choose that. Rather, I really need to carry on opposing the away team with my predictions. I am claiming a lot of credit for their positive outcomes because they evidently love to defy my predictions.

Looking at the home side's home form, the only side they have lost to is the league leaders. Marco Silva's team will be absolutely eager for a good result, so I am going to predict they will secure three points.

The expert's forecast: 1-0

The guest's choice: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and also that the hosts are on a bad streak... but Fulham have still been respectable at home this season. 2-0

The algorithm's outlook: 2-0

• Anfield, 15:00 GMT

It is a tough fixture to call. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten games in every tournament, but might they be one of the teams who benefit from the {international break|