Soccer Analyst Chris Sutton Battles Singer Olly Murs in Premier League Forecasts

The Gunners' 10-game winning streak was ended by the Black Cats before the international hiatus, but can the Premier League frontrunners recover against north London rivals Tottenham this weekend?

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

"Frank will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this season - but Mikel Arteta's side typically still manage to win."

The analyst is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this term, against AI, readers and a range of guests.

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

The singer's latest album, Knees Up, is out on the weekend.

Soccer and Family Life

Murs is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a star of several charity football games over time - but he is not planning a serious comeback as a player.

"{I recently played in a benefit match the other night for a mate of mine," he explained. "My team was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can read into that what you will!

"I continue to love football, but I injured my joint a few years ago and it still isn't where I want it to be. I hope I could play more but the uncertainty of the sport means it's too risky for me in my career to do it properly again.

"Plus 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 gearing up for the moment that my daughter or son chooses to play instead."

The singer and his wife his partner have two children, their daughter and their son, 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 do get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my manager qualifications - and I will likely be managing their weekend soccer side," he said.

"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I clearly owned a football club for a period too.

"My father coached with us when I was a child, which is likely where I get it from. He managed our side for several years and had great fun with it. That could be the next step for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"

Top Division Predictions

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 attack is already stronger with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.

I still think this fixture will be quite close, however. The Clarets are well organised and their sole at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.

It smells of a 1-1 draw to me, but I am actually going to go with the London side to win narrowly for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.

The expert's forecast: 1-2

The singer's pick: The Blues will be too strong. 1-3

AI's outlook: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Cherries have been defeated in their past two games - albeit both of them were on the road - but they got absolutely spanked by Villa last time out which surprised me.

On the other hand, the Hammers secured back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those games were at home, they do look competitive again.

The Hammers' only on the road win this campaign came at Nottingham Forest in August, when their boss Nuno was previously Forest coach.

Therefore, what exactly do I go with here - can West Ham continuing their run under Nuno, or Bournemouth responding?

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

The pundit's forecast: 2-0

The guest's outlook: Bournemouth are doing well but the visitors have improved under their boss. 2-2

AI's pick: 1-1

  • Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Bees were considered one of the frontrunners for the drop before the season began, but they have impressed a few observers under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three in their past four games.

My son advised me to get Bees forward Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.

The forward will likely score again on the weekend but I am still not going to select him or back Brentford at Amex Stadium.

The Bees have not had great success on the travel this term, and the Seagulls are always strong at their stadium. The visitors will attempt to attack on the break but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's side pose much more of a danger.

The analyst's forecast: 2-1

Olly's prediction: This could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a many scores but it actually proves to be quite close. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

This is a huge game for Fulham, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six games.

They have have lots of talent in their team but it nonetheless feels like they could be dragged into a drop zone battle.

As for Sunderland, well they are the unexpected success of the top flight campaign so far.

Their performance in the two-all draw with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We've not seen any other team rough up the North London side like that this term, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.

The sensible thing to do to back the Black Cats here, because they are clearly capable of roughing the hosts up too and, the previous occasion they were in this part of London, they defeated Chelsea at the end of October.

However I am not do that. Rather, I really need to carry on going against the away team with my predictions. I am taking a lot of credit for their good results because they clearly enjoy to defy my predictions.

Considering Fulham's home form, the sole side they have lost to is Arsenal. Their manager's team will be extremely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to predict they will secure three much-needed points.

The expert's forecast: 1-0

Olly's choice: I'm aware the visitors are performing strongly and also that Fulham are on a bad run... but Fulham have still been respectable at home this season. 2-0

AI's outlook: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

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

Johnny Castillo
Johnny Castillo

A passionate automotive historian and restoration expert with over 15 years of experience in preserving classic cars.