Soccer Expert Sutton Takes On Artist Murs in Premier League Forecasts

Arsenal's ten-match winning run came to an end by the Black Cats prior to the global break, however can the Premier League leaders recover against north London rivals Tottenham this weekend?

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

"The Spurs manager will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their sparkling best this season - but Mikel Arteta's team typically still find a way to win."

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this term, versus artificial intelligence, readers and a range of special visitors.

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

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

Soccer and Family Life

Murs is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful artist and has been a star of several Soccer Aid games over time - but he is not intending a professional comeback as a footballer.

"{I actually played in a benefit game 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 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 still hasn't fully recovered. I hope I could play more but the uncertainty of the sport means it's too risky for me in my profession to do it properly 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 preparing for the moment that my child or son chooses to play instead."

Murs and his spouse his partner have a young family, their daughter and their son, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming their manager.

"I won't push football on our children but I've already told my wife that if they do get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will probably be managing their Saturday soccer team," he added.

"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I clearly owned a football club for a while too.

"My dad coached with us when I was a kid, which is probably where I get it from. He coached our team for two or three seasons and had a wonderful time with it. That might 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

Chelsea might have to wait a bit longer for their star's return from injury but their attack is already stronger with Joao Pedro and Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this fixture will be quite close, though. The Clarets are disciplined and their only at Turf Moor losses so far have been against the Reds and the Gunners.

It smells of 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 league win in a row.

The expert's forecast: 1-2

Olly's pick: 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 past two matches - although both of them were away - but they got thoroughly beaten by Villa last time out which shocked me.

In contrast, the Hammers won back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they do look competitive again.

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

So, what exactly do I predict here - can West Ham continuing their run under Nuno, or Bournemouth responding?

I will go with Bournemouth, because I believe what occurred against Villa was a blip.

Sutton's forecast: 2-0

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

The algorithm's prediction: 1-1

• Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT

The Bees were seen as one of the frontrunners for relegation before the campaign started, but they have surprised a several people under their manager and are in good form with three wins in their past four matches.

My son told me to get Bees forward Igor Thiago in my fantasy soccer team a few weeks back and, guess what, I ignored the advice.

Thiago will likely score again on Saturday but I am still not going to pick him or back Brentford at Brighton's ground.

They have not had great fortune on the travel this term, and the Seagulls are always decent at their stadium. The visitors will attempt to attack on the counter-attack but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's side carry much more of a danger.

Sutton's forecast: 2-1

Olly's prediction: It could be a match where you expect there is going to be a many scores but it in reality turns out to be quite close. 1-1

The computer's prediction: 2-1

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

This is a huge game for Fulham, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six matches.

Fulham have got lots of quality in their squad but it nonetheless feels like they could be dragged into a relegation fight.

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

Their performance in the two-all draw with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We have not seen anyone else rough up the North London side like that this term, and they 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 Chelsea at the close of last month.

However I am not choose that. Instead, I really need to continue going against the away team with my predictions. I am taking a lot of responsibility for their positive outcomes because they evidently enjoy to prove me wrong.

Considering the home side's home record, the sole side they have lost to is the league leaders. Marco Silva's team will be extremely desperate for a good 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 Fulham are on a bad streak... but they have still been respectable at home this season. 2-0

The algorithm's outlook: 2-0

• Anfield, 15:00 GMT

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