Soccer Analyst Sutton Takes On Singer Olly Murs in Premier League Forecasts

The Gunners' 10-game winning streak was ended by Sunderland prior to the international hiatus, but can the Premier League leaders bounce back against local foes Spurs this weekend?

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

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

The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this term, against artificial intelligence, readers and a range of special visitors.

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

Murs' new album, the new release, is out on the weekend.

Football and Parenting Life

Olly is a skilled footballer as well as a successful artist and has been a star of multiple Soccer Aid games down the years - but he is not planning a professional return as a footballer.

"{I actually played in a benefit match the other evening for a friend of mine," he explained. "My team was trailing 3-1 when I came off in the second half, 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 even now hasn't fully recovered. I wish I could play more but the uncertainty of the game means it's too dangerous for me in my career to do it properly again.

"Additionally I am 41 now, and we are not all Cristiano Ronaldo, are we!? No, I am very happy not playing football and I am preparing for the moment that my daughter or son decides to play instead."

Murs and his spouse his partner have a young family, their daughter and their son, and he is ready to emulate his dad by becoming their manager.

"I won't force football on our kids 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 manager qualifications - and I will likely be managing their weekend football side," he said.

"I watched my nephews play a lot, and I truly got into it, and I obviously was involved with a soccer team for a while too.

"My dad coached 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 might be the next step 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 wait a bit longer for Cole Palmer's return from fitness issues but their attack is already stronger with Joao Pedro and Delap both back fit.

In my opinion this game will be quite close, though. The Clarets are well organised and their sole home losses so far have been against Liverpool and the Gunners.

This suggests a one-all tie to me, but I am actually going to choose the London side to win narrowly for what would be their third league win in a row.

Sutton's forecast: 1-2

The singer's pick: The Blues will be superior. 1-3

Artificial intelligence's prediction: 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 absolutely spanked by Aston Villa last time out which surprised me.

In contrast, West Ham secured back-to-back victories before the international break and, although both of those games were at home, they appear strong again.

The Hammers' only on the road victory this season came at Forest in the summer, when their manager Nuno Espirito Santo was previously that team's manager.

So, what on earth do I go with here - will it be the Hammers extending their streak under their manager, or Bournemouth responding?

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

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Olly's prediction: 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

The Bees were seen as one of the frontrunners for the drop before the season started, but they have surprised a several 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 Igor Thiago in my fantasy soccer squad a few weeks back and, guess what, I didn't listen.

Thiago will probably score again on the weekend but I am still not going to select him or support Brentford at Brighton's ground.

They have not had great success on the road this term, and Brighton are consistently strong at home. Brentford will try to hit them on the counter-attack but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's team carry much more of a threat.

The analyst's prediction: 2-1

The singer's view: This could be one of those games where you expect there is going to be a many scores but it actually proves to be quite tight. 1-1

The computer's outcome: 2-1

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

It is a massive fixture for Fulham, who have lost five of their last six games.

Fulham have got lots of talent in their squad but it still feels like they could be sucked into a relegation fight.

As for the Black Cats, well they are the surprise package of the Premier League season so far.

The away side's performance in the 2-2 tie with Arsenal last time out was superb. 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 sensible thing to do to support the visitors here, because they are obviously able of roughing Fulham up too and, the last time they were in west London, they defeated Chelsea at the close of October.

But I am not choose that. Instead, I really need to carry on going against Sunderland with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of credit for their good results because they clearly love to prove me wrong.

Considering Fulham's home form, the only team they have been defeated by is the league leaders. Marco Silva's side will be extremely eager for a positive outcome, so I am going to predict they will secure three points.

The expert's forecast: 1-0

The guest's choice: I know Sunderland are performing strongly and additionally that the hosts are on a poor run... but Fulham have still been decent at Craven Cottage this season. 2-0

The algorithm's prediction: 2-0

• Anfield, 15:00 GMT

This is a tough one to call. Liverpool have lost seven of their last ten games in every tournament, but might they be among the sides who profit from the {international break|