Soccer Expert Sutton Faces Off Against Singer Murs in Premier League Predictions
The Gunners' 10-game winning run was ended by the Black Cats prior to the global hiatus, however can the Premier League leaders recover against north London rivals Tottenham this weekend?
"{I believe like Arsenal are miles ahead of Tottenham at the moment but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this game," stated football specialist Chris Sutton.
"Frank will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating finest this season - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still find a way to win."
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this term, against artificial intelligence, fans and a range of guests.
For the twelfth round, he faces performer Olly Murs, who is a United fan.
Murs' latest record, the new release, is available on Friday.
Football and Family Experiences
Olly is a skilled footballer as well as a successful singer and has been a star of several charity football matches over time - but he is not planning a professional return as a player.
"{I recently played in a benefit game the other evening for a mate of mine," he said. "My team was trailing 3-1 when I was substituted in the 60th minute, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can interpret that what you will!
"I continue to love football, but I injured my knee 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 sport means it's too risky for me in my career to do it seriously 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 boy chooses to play instead."
Murs and his spouse his partner have two children, Madison and their son, and he is prepared to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming their manager.
"I will not force football on our children but I've already told Amelia that if they do get the bug for it then I will have to go and get my coaching badges - and I will probably be managing their weekend football side," he said.
"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I clearly was involved with a football club for a while too.
"My dad coached with us when I was a child, which is probably where I get it from. He coached our side for several years and had great fun with it. That could be the next step for me as well, and I am excited to it!"
Premier League Forecasts
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
The Blues may have to wait a bit longer for their star's return from fitness issues but their attack is already stronger with Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
I still think this game will be quite close, however. The Clarets are disciplined and their sole at Turf Moor defeats so far have been against Liverpool and the Gunners.
It suggests a 1-1 draw to me, but I am actually going to choose the London side to edge it for what would be their third Premier League win in a row.
Sutton's forecast: 1-2
Olly's pick: The Blues will be too strong. 1-3
Artificial intelligence's prediction: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have been defeated in their previous couple matches - albeit both of them were away - but they got thoroughly beaten by Aston Villa last time out which surprised me.
On the other hand, the Hammers won back-to-back victories before the hiatus and, although both of those games were at home, they do look strong again.
The Hammers' sole on the road victory this season came at Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno was previously that team's coach.
Therefore, what on earth do I go with here - can West Ham continuing their run under their manager, or the home side responding?
I will choose the Cherries, because I think what occurred against Villa was a anomaly.
The pundit's forecast: 2-0
The guest's prediction: The home team are performing strongly but the visitors have picked up under Nuno. 2-2
AI's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
The Bees were considered one of the favourites for the drop before the season began, but they have impressed a few observers under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three in their past four matches.
A family member told me to select Bees striker Thiago in my fantasy soccer team a few weeks ago and, guess what, I didn't listen.
The forward will likely score again on the weekend but I am nonetheless not going to pick him or back the away side at Amex Stadium.
They have not had great fortune on the road this term, and Brighton are consistently decent at home. The visitors will attempt to attack on the break but I feel Fabian Hurzeler's team pose much more of a threat.
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 in reality proves to be quite tight. 1-1
The computer's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
It is a massive game for Fulham, who have suffered defeat in five of their past six matches.
Fulham have got plenty of quality in their team but it still feels like they could be sucked into a relegation fight.
Regarding the Black Cats, indeed they are the surprise package of the top flight season so far.
Their performance in the two-all tie with the Gunners last time out was superb. We've not witnessed anyone else rough up the Gunners like that this term, and they were fully competitive for them.
The sensible thing to do to support the visitors here, because they are clearly able of disrupting Fulham up too and, the previous occasion they were in west London, they beat the Blues at the close of October.
But I am not going to choose that. Rather, I really need to carry on opposing Sunderland with my forecasts. I am taking a lot of responsibility for their good results because they clearly love to defy my predictions.
Looking at the home side's at Craven Cottage record, the sole side they have been defeated by is Arsenal. Their manager's side will be absolutely eager for a positive result, so I am going to say they will secure three points.
Sutton's forecast: 1-0
Olly's choice: I know the visitors are performing strongly and also that Fulham are on a poor streak... but Fulham have still been decent at home this campaign. 2-0
AI's outlook: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a hard one to predict. The Reds have lost seven of their past 10 matches in every tournament, but might they be among the teams who benefit from the {international break|