Soccer Analyst Chris Sutton Takes On Artist Murs in Premier League Forecasts

The Gunners' ten-match victorious run came to an end by Sunderland prior to the global hiatus, however will the Premier League leaders recover against north London rivals Spurs this weekend?

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

"Frank will try to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this season - but Mikel Arteta's team typically still manage to win."

The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, versus AI, fans and a range of guests.

For week 12, he faces singer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United supporter.

Murs' latest record, Knees Up, is available on Friday.

Football and Family Experiences

Olly is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful artist and has been a star of multiple charity football games down the years - but he is not intending a serious return as a footballer.

"{I recently played in a benefit match the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "The side was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the second half, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can read into that what you want!

"I continue to love football, but I injured my joint a few years ago and it even now 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 career to do it seriously again.

"Plus I am forty-one now, and we are not everyone is Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very happy not playing football and I am gearing up for the time that my child or son decides to play instead."

The singer and his wife his partner have two children, their daughter 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 children but I've already 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 likely be coaching their weekend football side," he added.

"I observed my nephews play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I obviously owned a soccer team for a period too.

"My father did it with us when I was a kid, which is probably where I inherited it. He coached 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 Forecasts

Saturday, 22 November

• Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT

Chelsea may have to be patient for their star's return from fitness issues but their offense is now stronger with Pedro and Liam Delap both returned to fitness.

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

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

The expert's forecast: 1-2

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

AI's outlook: 0-2

• Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Cherries have been defeated in their previous couple matches - although both of them were away - but they got absolutely spanked by Villa last time out which surprised me.

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

West Ham's only away victory this season came at Nottingham Forest in the summer, when West Ham manager Nuno was still that team's coach.

So, what on earth do I predict here - can the Hammers extending their run under their manager, or the home side bouncing back?

I will go with the Cherries, because I think what happened against Villa was a blip.

Sutton's forecast: 2-0

Olly's prediction: The home team are performing strongly but West Ham have picked up under their boss. 2-2

The algorithm's prediction: 1-1

• Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Brentford were seen as one of the frontrunners for the drop before the season started, but they have surprised a few observers under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three wins in their last four matches.

A family member told me to select Brentford striker Thiago in my fantasy soccer team a few weeks back and, guess what, I ignored the advice.

Thiago will probably find the net again on Saturday but I am nonetheless not going to select him or back the away side at Amex Stadium.

They have not had much success on the travel this term, and Brighton are always strong at home. The visitors will attempt to attack on the counter-attack but I feel the home manager's team pose much more of a danger.

The analyst's prediction: 2-1

Olly's view: It could be one of those games where you think there is going to be a lot of scores but it actually turns out to be rather close. 1-1

AI's prediction: 2-1

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

It is a massive fixture for the Cottagers, who have suffered defeat in five of their last six matches.

Fulham have have plenty of quality in their team but it nonetheless seems like they could be dragged into a drop zone fight.

Regarding Sunderland, indeed they are the unexpected success of the top flight season so far.

Their display in the two-all tie with the Gunners last time out was superb. We've not witnessed any other team rough up the North London side like that this term, and they were fully competitive for them.

The logical choice to do to back the Black Cats here, because they are obviously able of roughing Fulham up too and, the last time they were in west London, they defeated the Blues at the close of October.

However I am not do that. Rather, I really need to carry on opposing Sunderland with my predictions. I am claiming a lot of credit for their good results because they clearly love to prove me wrong.

Looking at Fulham's home record, the sole side they have been defeated by is Arsenal. Their manager's side will be absolutely eager for a good outcome, so I am going to predict they will secure three points.

The expert's forecast: 1-0

The guest's prediction: I'm aware the visitors are doing well and also that the hosts are on a poor streak... but Fulham have nonetheless been decent at home this season. 2-0

The algorithm's prediction: 2-0

• Anfield, 15:00 GMT

It is a tough fixture to call. Liverpool have lost seven of their past 10 games in every tournament, but might they be among the teams who benefit from the {international break|