Soccer Expert Chris Sutton Takes On Singer Murs in Premier League Predictions

Arsenal's ten-match victorious run came to an end by Sunderland before the international hiatus, however will the Premier League frontrunners bounce back against local foes Tottenham this Sunday?

"{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 specialist Chris Sutton.

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

Sutton is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this term, against artificial intelligence, fans and a variety of guests.

In week 12, he takes on singer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.

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

Football and Parenting Life

Murs is a talented soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a star of multiple Soccer Aid matches down the years - but he is not planning a professional comeback as a player.

"{I recently played in a benefit match the other night for a friend of mine," he explained. "My team was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the second half, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you will!

"I continue to love football, but I hurt my joint a few years ago and it still hasn't fully recovered. I wish I could play more but the unpredictability of the game means it's too risky 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 happy 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 a young family, their daughter and Albert, and he is ready to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming their coach.

"I will not push 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 coaching badges - and I will probably be managing their Saturday football team," he said.

"I observed my nephews play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I obviously was involved with a football club for a period too.

"My father did it with us when I was a kid, which is likely where I inherited it. He coached our team for two or three seasons and had great fun with it. That might 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 might have to be patient for Cole Palmer's return from injury but their offense is now stronger with Joao Pedro and Delap both back fit.

I still think this fixture will be quite close, however. Burnley are well organised and their only at Turf Moor losses so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.

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

Sutton's forecast: 1-2

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

AI's outlook: 0-2

• Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

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

On the other hand, West Ham secured back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they appear competitive again.

West Ham's only on the road win this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when their boss Nuno was still that team's manager.

Therefore, what on earth do I go with here - can West Ham continuing their streak under Nuno, or the home side bouncing back?

I am going to go with Bournemouth, because I think what happened against Villa was a anomaly.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

The guest's outlook: The home team are performing strongly but West Ham have improved under their boss. 2-2

AI's pick: 1-1

• Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Bees were considered one of the favourites for relegation before the campaign started, but they have impressed a several people under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three wins in their past four games.

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

Thiago will likely find the net again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to pick him or support the away side at Amex Stadium.

They have not had much fortune on the road this term, and the Seagulls are always strong at home. Brentford will attempt to attack on the counter-attack but I think the home manager's side carry much more of a danger.

Sutton's forecast: 2-1

The singer's view: This could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a many goals but it in reality turns out to be quite close. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

This is a huge fixture for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their past six games.

They have have plenty of talent in their team but it nonetheless seems like they could be dragged into a relegation fight.

Regarding the Black Cats, well they are the surprise package of the top flight campaign so far.

Their performance in the 2-2 tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. We've not seen any other team rough up the Gunners like that this season, and they were fully competitive for them.

The logical choice would be to back the visitors here, because they are obviously capable of roughing the hosts up too and, the last time they were in west London, they defeated the Blues at the close of last month.

However I am not going to choose that. Rather, I truly need to carry on opposing the away team with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of credit for their good outcomes because they evidently love to prove me wrong.

Looking at Fulham's home record, the only side they have lost to is the league leaders. Their manager's team will be extremely eager for a positive outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three points.

Sutton's forecast: 1-0

Olly's prediction: I know Sunderland are doing well and also that the hosts are on a poor run... but they have still been decent at home this season. 2-0

AI's prediction: 2-0

• Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a hard fixture to predict. The Reds have lost seven of their last ten matches in every tournament, but could they be one of the teams who benefit from the {international break|