Soccer Expert Chris Sutton Faces Off Against Singer Olly Murs in Premier League Forecasts

The Gunners' ten-match victorious run was ended by Sunderland prior to the international hiatus, but will the English top division leaders bounce back against north London rivals Tottenham this weekend?

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

"Frank will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side typically still find a way to win."

Sutton is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League fixtures this season, against artificial intelligence, fans and a variety of special visitors.

For week 12, he takes on performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United supporter.

The singer's new record, Knees Up, is out on Friday.

Football and Family Life

Murs is a talented footballer as well as a successful artist and has been a star of multiple Soccer Aid matches over time - but he is not planning a professional comeback as a player.

"{I recently played in a benefit match the other evening for a friend of mine," he said. "The 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 injured my joint a few years ago and it even now isn't where I want it to be. I hope I could play more but the uncertainty of the game means it's too risky for me in my career to do it properly again.

"Additionally I am forty-one now, and we are not all Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very happy not playing football and I am preparing for the time that my child or boy decides to play instead."

Murs and his wife Amelia Tank have a young family, Madison and their son, and he is ready to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of their manager.

"I will not force football on our kids but I've already told Amelia that if they do get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will probably be managing their weekend football team," he said.

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

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

Top Division Forecasts

Saturday, 22 November

  • Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

The Blues may have to wait a bit longer for their star's comeback from injury but their attack is now stronger with Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this fixture will be fairly tight, though. Burnley are well organised and their sole at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against Liverpool and the Gunners.

It suggests a one-all draw to me, but I am in fact going to go with the London side to win narrowly for what would be their third league win in a row.

The expert's prediction: 1-2

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

AI's outlook: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Bournemouth have been defeated in their past two matches - although both of them were on the road - but they got thoroughly beaten by Aston Villa last time out which surprised me.

In contrast, the Hammers secured two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they do look competitive again.

West Ham's only on the road win this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno was previously Forest manager.

Therefore, what exactly do I predict here - can West Ham extending their streak under their manager, or Bournemouth responding?

I will go with the Cherries, because I think what occurred against Villa was a anomaly.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Olly's prediction: Bournemouth are performing strongly but West Ham have picked up under their boss. 2-2

The algorithm'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 several people under their manager and are in good form with three wins in their last four games.

My son told me to select Brentford striker Thiago in my fantasy soccer squad a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I ignored the advice.

Thiago will probably score again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to pick him or back Brentford at Brighton's ground.

They have not had much fortune on the travel this term, and the Seagulls are consistently strong at home. The visitors will attempt to hit them on the break but I feel the home manager's team pose much more of a danger.

Sutton's forecast: 2-1

The singer's prediction: This could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a many scores but it in reality proves 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 suffered defeat in five of their past six matches.

They have got lots of quality in their squad but it still feels like they could be sucked into a relegation fight.

As for Sunderland, indeed they are the unexpected success of the Premier League season so far.

The away side's performance in the two-all draw with Arsenal last time out was superb. We've not seen anyone else rough up the North London side like that this season, and they were more than a match for them.

The logical choice to do to back the visitors here, because they are clearly capable of disrupting Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they beat Chelsea at the end of last month.

But I am not going to do that. Instead, I truly need to continue opposing the away team with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their positive results because they clearly love to defy my predictions.

Considering the home side's home form, the only team they have lost to is Arsenal. Their manager's side will be absolutely eager for a good outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three much-needed points.

The expert's forecast: 1-0

The guest's prediction: I know Sunderland are doing well and also that Fulham are on a bad streak... but Fulham have nonetheless been decent at home this season. 2-0

AI's outlook: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a tough fixture to call. The Reds have suffered seven of their past 10 games in all competitions, but could they be among the sides who profit from the {international break|

Antonio Payne
Antonio Payne

A lifestyle writer passionate about wellness trends and creative living, sharing insights to inspire everyday joy.