Soccer Analyst Chris Sutton Battles Artist Murs in Top Flight Predictions

The Gunners' 10-game winning streak was ended by the Black Cats prior to the international hiatus, however can the English top division frontrunners recover against local foes Tottenham this Sunday?

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

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

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

For the twelfth round, he takes on performer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.

Murs' latest album, the new release, is available on the weekend.

Soccer and Parenting Experiences

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

"{I recently played in a charity game the other evening for a friend 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 read into that what you will!

"I still love football, but I hurt my knee a few years ago and it still hasn't fully recovered. I hope I could play more but the unpredictability of the game means it's too dangerous for me in my profession to do it properly again.

"Plus I am 41 now, and we are not everyone is Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very happy not playing football and I am preparing for the time that my daughter or boy chooses to play instead."

Murs and his wife Amelia Tank have two children, Madison and Albert, and he is prepared to emulate his dad by taking on the role of their manager.

"I won't push football on our kids but I've previously told Amelia that if they do get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will likely be managing their weekend football side," he added.

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

"My father did it with us when I was a child, which is likely where I inherited it. He managed our team for two or three years and had a wonderful time with it. That could be the next step for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"

Top Division Predictions

Saturday, 22 November

• Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

The Blues may have to be patient for Cole Palmer's comeback from injury but their attack is now more potent with Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this game will be quite close, though. Burnley are well organised and their only at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.

It smells of a 1-1 draw to me, but I am in fact going to go with Chelsea to edge it for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.

The expert's forecast: 1-2

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

Artificial intelligence's outlook: 0-2

• Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Cherries have lost their previous couple games - although both of them were away - but they got thoroughly beaten by Villa last time out which surprised me.

In contrast, the Hammers won two in a row before the international break and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they appear strong again.

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

So, what on earth do I predict here - will it be West Ham extending their streak under their manager, or Bournemouth responding?

I am going to go with Bournemouth, because I think what occurred against Aston Villa was a blip.

The pundit's forecast: 2-0

The guest's outlook: The home team are doing well but West Ham have picked up under their boss. 2-2

AI's prediction: 1-1

• Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Brentford were considered one of the favourites for the drop before the campaign began, but they have impressed a few observers under Keith Andrews and are in fine fettle with three wins in their last four games.

My son advised me to get Brentford striker Thiago in my Fantasy Football team a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.

The forward will probably score again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to pick him or support the away side at Amex Stadium.

They have not had great fortune on the travel this term, and Brighton are consistently strong at home. The visitors will attempt to attack on the break but I think Fabian Hurzeler's team pose much more of a danger.

The analyst's prediction: 2-1

The singer's prediction: It could be a match where you think there is going to be a lot of scores but it in reality proves to be quite tight. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

This is a huge game for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their last six matches.

They have got plenty of quality in their team but it still feels like they could be sucked into a drop zone battle.

Regarding the Black Cats, well they are the unexpected success of the top flight campaign so far.

Their performance in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We've not witnessed any other team rough up the Gunners like that this season, and they were more than a match for them.

The logical choice to do to support the visitors here, because they are clearly capable of roughing Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they defeated the Blues at the end of October.

But I am not going to choose that. Instead, I truly need to continue opposing Sunderland with my predictions. I am taking a lot of credit for their positive outcomes because they clearly enjoy to defy my predictions.

Looking at Fulham's home form, the sole side they have lost to is the league leaders. Their manager's team will be absolutely desperate for a good result, so I am going to say they will secure three much-needed points.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Olly's prediction: I'm aware Sunderland are doing well and additionally that Fulham are on a bad streak... but Fulham have nonetheless been decent at home this campaign. 2-0

The algorithm's outlook: 2-0

• Anfield, 15:00 GMT

It is a tough fixture to predict. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten matches in all competitions, but could they be one of the sides who profit from the {international break|