Football Expert Chris Sutton Faces Off Against Artist Murs in Top Flight Predictions
The Gunners' 10-game victorious run was ended by the Black Cats prior to the global hiatus, however can the Premier League frontrunners recover against local foes Tottenham this Sunday?
"{I believe like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a plan for this game," stated soccer 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 side typically still manage to win."
The analyst is forecasting results for all 380 Premier League games this term, against AI, readers and a range of special visitors.
In week 12, he faces singer Olly Murs, who is a Manchester United fan.
The singer's latest record, the new release, is available on the weekend.
Football and Family Experiences
Murs is a talented soccer player as well as a successful artist and has been a featured player of several charity football games down the years - but he is not planning a serious comeback as a footballer.
"{I actually played in a benefit match the other night for a mate of mine," he said. "My 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 will!
"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 hope I could play more but the uncertainty of the sport means it's too risky for me in my profession to do it seriously 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 moment that my child or boy decides to play instead."
The singer and his wife his partner have two children, their daughter and their son, and he is prepared to emulate his dad by taking on the role of their manager.
"I won't push football on our kids but I've previously told Amelia that if they happen to get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will probably be managing their Saturday football side," he added.
"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 father did it with us when I was a child, which is probably where I get it from. He managed our team for two or three seasons and had great fun with it. That could be the future for me as well, and I am looking forward to it!"
Top Division Forecasts
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
The Blues may have to wait a bit longer for Cole Palmer's return from fitness issues but their offense is already more potent with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both returned to fitness.
I still think this fixture will be fairly close, though. Burnley are well organised and their sole at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.
This suggests 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 league win in a row.
Sutton's forecast: 1-2
The singer's pick: Chelsea will be superior. 1-3
Artificial intelligence's prediction: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Cherries have lost their past two games - although both of them were on the road - but they got thoroughly beaten by Villa last time out which surprised me.
On the other hand, West Ham won back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at their stadium, they do look competitive again.
The Hammers' sole on the road victory this season came at Nottingham Forest in the summer, when West Ham manager Nuno was previously that team's manager.
So, what on earth do I go with here - will it be the Hammers continuing their streak under Nuno, or the home side responding?
I am going to choose Bournemouth, because I believe what occurred against Villa was a blip.
The pundit's forecast: 2-0
The guest's outlook: The home team are performing strongly but West Ham have improved under their boss. 2-2
AI's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were considered one of the favourites for relegation before the campaign began, but they have surprised a few people under Keith Andrews and are in fine fettle with three wins in their last four games.
A family member told me to select Bees forward Thiago in my Fantasy Football squad a few weeks back and, guess what, I ignored the advice.
The forward will probably find the net again on Saturday but I am still not going to pick him or support Brentford at Amex Stadium.
They have not had great fortune on the road this season, and Brighton are consistently decent at home. The visitors will try to attack on the break but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's side pose much more of a danger.
Sutton's forecast: 2-1
Olly's view: It could be a match where you expect there is going to be a many goals but it actually proves to be quite close. 1-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a massive fixture for the Cottagers, who have lost five of their past six matches.
They have got lots of quality in their squad but it still seems like they could be dragged into a drop zone fight.
As for the Black Cats, well they are the surprise package of the top flight campaign so far.
The away side's display in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners last time out was excellent. We've not witnessed any other team rough up the North London side like that this season, 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 roughing Fulham up too and, the last time they were in west London, they defeated the Blues at the close of last month.
But I am not going to do that. Rather, I really need to carry on opposing the away team with my predictions. I am claiming a lot of responsibility for their positive results because they evidently enjoy to prove me wrong.
Considering Fulham's home form, the only team they have been defeated by is the league leaders. Their manager's side will be extremely eager for a positive result, so I am going to predict they will secure three points.
The expert's prediction: 1-0
Olly's choice: I know Sunderland are doing well and also that the hosts are on a poor run... but they have nonetheless been decent at home this campaign. 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
This is a tough fixture to call. Liverpool have lost seven of their last ten matches in all competitions, but might they be one of the teams who profit from the {international break|
