Football Expert Sutton Battles Artist Murs in Top Flight Predictions
The Gunners' ten-match victorious streak came to an end by the Black Cats prior to the international break, but will the English top division frontrunners recover against north London rivals Tottenham this Sunday?
"{I believe like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," stated soccer expert Chris Sutton.
"Frank will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this campaign - but Mikel Arteta's side typically still manage to win."
Sutton is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League fixtures this season, against artificial intelligence, fans and a variety of special visitors.
For the twelfth round, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.
The singer's latest record, the new release, is available on the weekend.
Football and Family Experiences
Olly is a talented footballer as well as a successful singer and has been a star of multiple charity football matches over time - but he is not intending a professional return as a footballer.
"{I actually played in a benefit game the other night for a mate of mine," he said. "My side was losing 3-1 when I came off in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you want!
"I still love football, but I injured my knee a few years ago and it still isn't where I want it to be. I hope I could play more but the unpredictability of the sport means it's too dangerous for me in my profession to do it seriously again.
"Additionally I am 41 now, and we are not everyone is Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very content not playing football and I am gearing up for the time that my daughter or son chooses to play instead."
Murs and his wife Amelia Tank have two children, Madison and Albert, and he is ready to emulate his dad by becoming their coach.
"I won't force football on our children but I've previously told Amelia that if they happen to get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my manager qualifications - and I will likely be managing their weekend soccer team," he added.
"I observed my relatives play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I clearly owned a soccer team for a while too.
"My dad coached with us when I was a kid, which is likely where I get it from. He managed our team for two or three years and had great fun with it. That could be the future for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"
Premier League Forecasts
Weekend, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
Chelsea may have to be patient for Cole Palmer's comeback from fitness issues but their attack is now more potent with Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
I still think this fixture will be quite tight, though. Burnley are well organised and their only home defeats so far have been against Liverpool and the Gunners.
This smells of a one-all draw to me, but I am in fact going to choose the London side to edge it for what would be their third consecutive Premier League win in a row.
The expert's prediction: 1-2
The singer's prediction: Chelsea will be superior. 1-3
AI's prediction: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Cherries have lost their past two games - although both of them were away - but they got thoroughly beaten by Aston Villa last time out which shocked me.
In contrast, West Ham won back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they do look strong again.
The Hammers' sole away victory this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno was still that team's coach.
So, what exactly do I go with here - will it be West Ham extending their streak under Nuno, or Bournemouth responding?
I am going to choose Bournemouth, because I think what occurred against Aston Villa was a blip.
Sutton's forecast: 2-0
Olly's outlook: The home team are performing strongly but West Ham have improved 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 began, but they have surprised a several people under their manager and are in fine fettle with three in their past four games.
A family member advised me to select Bees striker Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks back and, unfortunately, I ignored the advice.
Thiago will probably score again on the weekend but I am still not going to pick him or back Brentford at Amex Stadium.
The Bees have not had much fortune on the travel this term, and Brighton are always strong at their stadium. Brentford will try to attack on the counter-attack but I think Fabian Hurzeler's team pose much more of a danger.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Olly's view: This could be a match where you expect there is going to be a lot of scores but it actually turns out to be quite tight. 1-1
AI's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
It is a huge game for Fulham, who have lost five of their last six games.
Fulham have got plenty of talent in their squad but it nonetheless feels like they could be sucked into a relegation battle.
As for the Black Cats, indeed they are the surprise package of the Premier League season so far.
The away side's performance in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners last time out was superb. We have not witnessed anyone else rough up the North London side like that this season, and Sunderland were fully competitive for them.
The logical choice would be to back the visitors here, because they are obviously capable of disrupting the hosts up too and, the last time they were in this part of London, they defeated Chelsea at the end of last month.
But I am not choose that. Instead, I really need to continue going against Sunderland with my predictions. I am claiming a lot of responsibility for their positive results because they clearly enjoy to defy my predictions.
Looking at the home side's at Craven Cottage form, the sole team they have lost to is the league leaders. Their manager's team will be absolutely eager for a positive outcome, so I am going to predict they will pick up three much-needed points.
Sutton's forecast: 1-0
Olly's choice: I know the visitors are doing well and additionally that Fulham are on a bad run... but they have still been decent at home this season. 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a tough fixture to predict. Liverpool have lost seven of their past 10 games in every tournament, but might they be among the sides who benefit from the {international break|
