Football Analyst Chris Sutton Takes On Artist Murs in Premier League Predictions
Arsenal's 10-game victorious run came to an end by Sunderland before the global hiatus, but will the Premier League frontrunners recover against local foes Spurs this weekend?
"{I believe like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this match," stated soccer specialist Chris Sutton.
"Frank will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating finest this season - but Mikel Arteta's team usually still manage to win."
Sutton is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, readers and a range of special visitors.
In the twelfth round, he takes on performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.
The singer's new album, the new release, is out on the weekend.
Football and Family Experiences
Murs is a talented soccer player as well as a accomplished artist and has been a featured player of several Soccer Aid matches over time - but he is not intending a serious return as a player.
"{I actually played in a charity match the other night for a mate of mine," he said. "My team was trailing 3-1 when I came off 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 even now isn't where I want it to be. 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 41 now, and we are not all Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very content not playing football and I am gearing up for the moment that my child or boy chooses to play instead."
Murs and his spouse his partner have a young family, Madison and Albert, 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 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 said.
"I observed my nephews play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I obviously was involved with a soccer team for a period too.
"My dad did it with us when I was a child, which is likely where I get it from. He coached our side for two or three seasons and had great fun with it. That could be the next step for me as well, and I am excited to it!"
Premier League Predictions
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
The Blues might have to wait a bit longer for their star's return from injury but their offense is already more potent with Pedro and Liam Delap both returned to fitness.
In my opinion this game will be fairly tight, however. Burnley are well organised and their only home defeats so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.
This smells of a 1-1 draw to me, but I am in fact going to go with the London side to edge it for what would be their third league win in a row.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
The singer'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.
In contrast, the Hammers secured two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they do look strong again.
West Ham's only away victory this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno was previously Forest manager.
So, what on earth do I go with here - will it be West Ham continuing their run under Nuno, or the home side bouncing back?
I will choose the Cherries, because I believe what happened against Villa was a blip.
The pundit's forecast: 2-0
The guest's outlook: The home team are doing well but the visitors have improved under their boss. 2-2
AI's prediction: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were considered one of the frontrunners for relegation before the campaign started, but they have impressed a few people under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three in their past four games.
A family member told me to get Brentford striker Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks ago and, guess what, I didn't listen.
The forward will likely find the net again on the weekend but I am still not going to select him or support Brentford at Brighton's ground.
The Bees have not had much fortune on the travel this term, and Brighton are always strong at home. Brentford will attempt to attack on the counter-attack but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's team pose much more of a danger.
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 many scores but it actually proves to be rather close. 1-1
The computer's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a massive game for the Cottagers, who have suffered defeat in five of their last six games.
Fulham have got plenty of talent in their team but it still feels like they could be dragged into a relegation fight.
Regarding Sunderland, indeed they are the unexpected success of the top flight campaign so far.
Their performance in the two-all draw with Arsenal last time out was superb. We've not witnessed any other team disrupt the Gunners 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 able of roughing the hosts up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they beat the Blues at the close of last month.
However I am not going to choose that. Rather, I really need to carry on going against the away team with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their positive results because they clearly enjoy to prove me wrong.
Considering Fulham's home record, the sole team they have lost to is the league leaders. Their manager's team will be extremely eager for a positive result, so I am going to say they will secure three points.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
The guest's choice: I'm aware Sunderland are performing strongly and additionally that Fulham are on a poor run... but Fulham have still been decent at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0
The algorithm's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
This is a hard one to predict. The Reds have lost seven of their last ten matches in every tournament, but might they be among the teams who benefit from the {international break|