Soccer Expert Sutton Battles Singer Murs in Top Flight Predictions
Arsenal's 10-game winning streak came to an end by the Black Cats before the global hiatus, but can the English top division leaders recover against local foes Tottenham 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 match," remarked soccer expert Chris Sutton.
"Frank will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling best this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's team typically still manage to win."
The analyst is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this term, against AI, fans and a variety of special visitors.
In the twelfth round, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.
The singer's latest record, the new release, is available on the weekend.
Football and Parenting Experiences
Olly is a talented soccer player as well as a accomplished artist and has been a star of several charity football matches over time - but he is not intending a professional comeback as a player.
"{I recently played in a charity match the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "My side was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you want!
"I still love football, but I injured my joint a few years ago and it even now isn't where I want it to be. I wish I could play more but the unpredictability of the sport means it's too risky for me in my profession to do it seriously again.
"Additionally 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 boy chooses to play instead."
Murs and his spouse his partner have two children, their daughter and Albert, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of their coach.
"I won't force football on our children 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 manager qualifications - and I will probably be managing their Saturday football team," he added.
"I observed 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 did it with us when I was a child, which is probably where I get it from. 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 looking forward to it!"
Premier League Forecasts
Weekend, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
Chelsea might have to wait a bit longer for Cole Palmer's return from fitness issues but their offense is already stronger with Joao Pedro and Delap both back fit.
I still think this game will be fairly close, though. The Clarets are disciplined and their sole at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.
It smells of a one-all draw to me, but I am in fact going to choose Chelsea to win narrowly for what would be their third consecutive league win in a row.
The expert's prediction: 1-2
Olly's pick: The Blues will be superior. 1-3
AI's prediction: 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 absolutely spanked by Aston Villa last time out which surprised me.
In contrast, the Hammers secured back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those games were at home, they appear competitive again.
The Hammers' sole on the road win this campaign came at Nottingham Forest in the summer, when West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was previously Forest coach.
So, what exactly do I predict here - can the Hammers extending their streak under Nuno, or the home side bouncing back?
I will go with Bournemouth, 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
AI's prediction: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were seen as one of the favourites for the drop before the season started, but they have impressed a few observers under their manager and are in good form with three wins in their last four games.
My son advised me to select Brentford forward Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.
Thiago will likely score again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to select him or support the away side at Amex Stadium.
They have not had great fortune on the travel this term, and the Seagulls are consistently strong at their stadium. Brentford will try to hit them on the break but I think Fabian Hurzeler's side pose much more of a danger.
The analyst's prediction: 2-1
Olly's view: This could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a many goals but it actually proves to be quite close. 1-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a massive fixture for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their last six games.
Fulham have got plenty of talent in their team but it still feels like they could be sucked into a drop zone battle.
Regarding the Black Cats, indeed they are the unexpected success of the Premier League campaign so far.
The away side's performance in the two-all draw with Arsenal last time out was superb. We have not seen anyone else disrupt the Gunners like that this term, and they were more than a match for them.
The logical choice to do to support the visitors here, because they are obviously able of disrupting the hosts up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they defeated the Blues at the close of last month.
However I am not do that. Rather, I really need to continue opposing the away team with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of credit for their positive results because they clearly enjoy 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 team will be extremely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three much-needed points.
Sutton's forecast: 1-0
Olly's prediction: I know the visitors are performing strongly and additionally that Fulham are on a bad run... but they have nonetheless been respectable at Craven Cottage this campaign. 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a tough fixture to predict. The Reds have suffered seven of their last ten matches in every tournament, but could they be one of the teams who benefit from the {international break|
