Soccer Expert Sutton Battles Artist Murs in Premier League Forecasts

The Gunners' ten-match victorious run came to an end by the Black Cats prior to the global hiatus, but can the English top division frontrunners recover against north London rivals Tottenham this Sunday?

"{I feel like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this game," stated football expert Chris Sutton.

"The Spurs manager will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still find a way to win."

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

For the twelfth round, he takes on singer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.

The singer's latest album, Knees Up, is available on Friday.

Football and Parenting Life

Olly is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a featured player of multiple charity football games down the years - but he is not planning a serious comeback as a footballer.

"{I actually played in a charity match the other night for a mate of mine," he explained. "My side was losing 3-1 when I came off in the 60th minute, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can read into that what you want!

"I still love football, but I injured my joint a few years ago and it even now hasn't fully recovered. I wish I could play more but the uncertainty of the game means it's too risky for me in my career to do it seriously again.

"Additionally I am 41 now, and we are not all Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very content not playing football and I am preparing for the time that my child or boy decides to play instead."

The singer and his spouse his partner have a young family, Madison and Albert, and he is ready to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming their manager.

"I will not push football on our children but I've already 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 likely be managing their Saturday soccer side," he added.

"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I obviously was involved with a soccer team for a while too.

"My dad coached with us when I was a child, which is likely where I inherited it. He coached our team for two or three 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

The Blues might have to be patient for Cole Palmer's return from injury but their attack is now more potent with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both returned to fitness.

I still think this fixture will be quite close, however. The Clarets are disciplined and their only home losses so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.

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

The expert's prediction: 1-2

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

Artificial intelligence's outlook: 0-2

• Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

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

On the other hand, the Hammers secured two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they appear competitive again.

West Ham's only on the road win this campaign came at Forest in the summer, when their boss Nuno was still Forest manager.

Therefore, what on earth do I predict here - can the Hammers continuing their streak under Nuno, or Bournemouth bouncing back?

I am going to go with the Cherries, because I believe what occurred against Villa was a blip.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Olly's prediction: The home team 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 considered one of the frontrunners for the drop before the season started, but they have impressed a several observers under Keith Andrews and are in fine fettle with three wins in their last four matches.

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

The forward will likely score again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to select him or support Brentford at Brighton's ground.

The Bees have not had great success on the travel this season, and Brighton are always strong at their stadium. Brentford will attempt to attack on the counter-attack but I think Fabian Hurzeler's team pose much more of a threat.

The analyst's forecast: 2-1

The singer's view: It could be a match where you think there is going to be a lot of scores but it actually turns out to be rather tight. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

This is a massive game for Fulham, who have lost five of their last six games.

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

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

Their performance in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners last time out was superb. We have not witnessed anyone else disrupt the North London side like that this term, and they were fully competitive for them.

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

However I am not choose that. Instead, I really need to carry on opposing Sunderland with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of credit for their positive results because they clearly enjoy to prove me wrong.

Considering the home side's at Craven Cottage record, the only side they have been defeated by is Arsenal. Marco Silva's side 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 choice: I'm aware the visitors are performing strongly and additionally that Fulham are on a bad run... but Fulham have nonetheless been respectable at home this campaign. 2-0

The algorithm's prediction: 2-0

• Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a tough one to predict. Liverpool have suffered seven of their past 10 matches in all competitions, but could they be among the teams who profit from the {international break|