Soccer Expert Sutton Battles Singer Olly Murs in Premier League Forecasts
The Gunners' ten-match winning run was ended by Sunderland prior to the global hiatus, however will the Premier League frontrunners recover against local foes Spurs this weekend?
"{I believe like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs manager Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this game," stated soccer expert Chris Sutton.
"Frank will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating finest this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side typically still find a way to win."
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, versus artificial intelligence, fans and a variety of special visitors.
For week 12, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.
The singer's new record, the new release, is out on Friday.
Soccer and Family Life
Murs is a talented footballer as well as a successful artist and has been a featured player of multiple charity football matches over time - but he is not intending a serious return as a player.
"{I recently played in a benefit game the other night for a mate of mine," he said. "My side was trailing 3-1 when I came off in the 60th minute, and they proceeded to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you will!
"I still love football, but I hurt my knee a few years ago and it still isn't where I want it to be. 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 properly again.
"Plus I am forty-one 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 son chooses to play instead."
Murs and his wife his partner have a young family, their daughter and their son, and he is prepared to emulate his dad by taking on the role of their manager.
"I will not 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 manager qualifications - and I will likely be managing their Saturday football side," 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 while too.
"My dad coached with us when I was a kid, which is probably where I inherited it. He coached our side for several years and had a wonderful time with it. That might be the future for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"
Premier League Forecasts
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
Chelsea may have to wait a bit longer for their star's return from fitness issues but their attack is already stronger with Pedro and Delap both back fit.
I still think this fixture will be quite tight, though. The Clarets are disciplined and their only at Turf Moor losses so far have been against Liverpool and the Gunners.
It smells of a 1-1 draw to me, but I am in fact going to choose the London side to win narrowly for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.
Sutton's prediction: 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 lost their past two matches - although both of them were away - but they got thoroughly beaten by Aston Villa last time out which shocked me.
On the other hand, West Ham won back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those games were at home, they do look competitive again.
West Ham's sole on the road victory this campaign came at Forest in August, when West Ham boss Nuno was still that team's coach.
Therefore, what on earth do I predict here - will it be the Hammers continuing their streak under their manager, or the home side responding?
I am going to go with the Cherries, because I think what happened against Aston Villa was a anomaly.
The pundit's prediction: 2-0
The guest's prediction: Bournemouth are doing well but West Ham have picked up under Nuno. 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 campaign started, but they have impressed a several observers under their manager and are in fine fettle with three in their last four games.
My son told me to select Brentford striker Thiago in my fantasy soccer squad a few weeks ago and, unfortunately, I ignored the advice.
The forward will likely score again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to pick him or support Brentford at Amex Stadium.
The Bees have not had great success on the road this term, and Brighton are always strong at their stadium. The visitors will try to hit them on the break but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's side carry much more of a danger.
The analyst's forecast: 2-1
The singer's view: It could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a many goals but it actually turns out to be quite close. 1-1
AI's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
It is a huge fixture for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their last six games.
They have have lots of talent in their team but it nonetheless seems like they could be sucked into a drop zone battle.
Regarding Sunderland, indeed they are the surprise package of the top flight season so far.
Their display in the two-all tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. We have not witnessed any other team disrupt the Gunners like that this season, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.
The sensible thing would be to support the Black Cats here, because they are clearly able of disrupting the hosts up too and, the previous occasion they were in this part of London, they beat the Blues at the close of last month.
However I am not do that. Rather, I really need to carry on opposing Sunderland with my predictions. I am claiming a lot of responsibility for their positive results because they evidently enjoy to defy my predictions.
Looking at the home side's at Craven Cottage form, the only team they have been defeated by is the league leaders. Their manager's team will be extremely desperate for a positive outcome, so I am going to predict they will pick up three points.
The expert's prediction: 1-0
The guest's choice: I know the visitors are performing strongly and also that Fulham are on a bad streak... but they have still been decent at Craven Cottage this campaign. 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a tough one to call. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten games in all competitions, but could they be among the teams who profit from the {international break|