Soccer Analyst Sutton Takes On Singer Murs in Top Flight Forecasts

Arsenal's 10-game winning streak came to an end by Sunderland before the international hiatus, but will the English top division frontrunners recover against local foes Spurs this Sunday?

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

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

Sutton is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this term, versus AI, readers and a range of special visitors.

In the twelfth round, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.

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

Soccer and Family Life

Olly is a skilled footballer as well as a successful artist and has been a featured player of several charity football games over time - but he is not intending a professional comeback as a footballer.

"{I recently played in a benefit game the other evening for a mate of mine," he explained. "My team was losing 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 still isn't where I want it to be. I hope I could play more but the uncertainty of the game 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 time that my child or boy decides to play instead."

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

"I won't push 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 coaching badges - and I will probably be coaching their Saturday soccer team," he said.

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

"My dad coached with us when I was a child, which is likely where I inherited it. He managed our team for several seasons and had great fun with it. That might 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

Chelsea might have to wait a bit longer for Cole Palmer's comeback from injury but their attack is now more potent with Joao Pedro and Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this fixture will be fairly tight, though. Burnley are disciplined and their only home losses so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.

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

The expert's prediction: 1-2

Olly's prediction: Chelsea will be superior. 1-3

Artificial intelligence's outlook: 0-2

  • Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

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

On the other hand, the Hammers won two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they do look strong again.

West Ham's sole away win this season came at Forest in August, when their boss Nuno was previously Forest manager.

Therefore, what exactly do I predict here - can West Ham extending their streak under their manager, or the home side bouncing back?

I am going to choose the Cherries, because I believe what happened against Aston Villa was a blip.

Sutton's forecast: 2-0

Olly's prediction: The home team are doing well but the visitors have improved under Nuno. 2-2

The algorithm's pick: 1-1

  • Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Bees were seen as one of the favourites for relegation before the season started, but they have impressed a several people under Keith Andrews and are in fine fettle with three wins in their last four matches.

A family member advised me to select Bees forward Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football team a few weeks ago and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.

Thiago will likely score again on the weekend but I am still not going to select him or back the away side at Brighton's ground.

The Bees have not had much success on the travel this term, and the Seagulls are consistently decent at their stadium. The visitors will attempt to hit them on the break but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's team pose much more of a danger.

The analyst's prediction: 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 actually turns out to be rather close. 1-1

AI's outcome: 2-1

  • Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

It is a huge game for the Cottagers, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six games.

Fulham have have plenty of talent in their team but it nonetheless seems like they could be sucked into a relegation battle.

As for Sunderland, well they are the surprise package of the Premier League season so far.

The away side's display in the 2-2 tie with Arsenal last time out was excellent. We have not witnessed anyone else disrupt the Gunners like that this season, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.

The logical choice would be to support the Black Cats here, because they are obviously capable of disrupting Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in this part of London, they defeated the Blues at the end of last month.

But I am not do that. Rather, I truly need to continue opposing Sunderland with my predictions. I am taking a lot of responsibility for their positive results because they clearly love to prove me wrong.

Considering the home side's home form, the only side they have lost to is Arsenal. Marco Silva's side will be extremely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to say they will secure three points.

The expert's forecast: 1-0

Olly's prediction: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and also that the hosts are on a bad run... but Fulham have still been decent at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0

The algorithm's outlook: 2-0

  • Anfield, 15:00 GMT

It is a tough fixture to call. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten matches in every tournament, but might they be one of the teams who benefit from the {international break|

Roy Porter
Roy Porter

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategies and industry trends.