Football Expert Chris Sutton Battles Artist Murs in Top Flight Predictions
The Gunners' 10-game victorious run was ended by the Black Cats before the global hiatus, however can the English top division leaders recover against local foes Spurs this Sunday?
"{I believe like Arsenal are light years ahead of Tottenham currently but Spurs boss Thomas Frank will have a strategy for this game," remarked football expert Chris Sutton.
"The Spurs manager will attempt to neutralize Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating finest this season - but Mikel Arteta's team typically still manage to win."
The analyst is making predictions for all 380 Premier League fixtures this season, against AI, fans and a variety of guests.
For week 12, he faces singer Olly Murs, who is a United supporter.
The singer's new record, the new release, is out on Friday.
Soccer and Family Experiences
Olly is a skilled soccer player as well as a successful singer and has been a star of several charity football matches over time - but he is not intending a serious comeback as a player.
"{I recently played in a benefit game the other night for a mate of mine," he explained. "The team was losing 3-1 when I was substituted in the second half, and they went on to win 4-3, so you can read into that what you will!
"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 dangerous 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 content not playing football and I am gearing up for the moment that my child or son chooses to play instead."
Murs and his spouse his partner have a young family, Madison and Albert, and he is ready to emulate his dad by becoming their coach.
"I will not force football on our kids but I've already told my wife that if they happen to get the passion for it then I will have to go and get my manager qualifications - and I will likely be managing their Saturday soccer team," he said.
"I watched my relatives play a lot, and I really got into it, and I clearly owned a football club for a period too.
"My dad coached with us when I was a kid, 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 next step for me as well, and I am excited to it!"
Top Division Predictions
Saturday, 22 November
- Turf Moor, 12:30 GMT
Chelsea may have to be patient for their star's return from fitness issues but their offense is now stronger with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both back fit.
I still think this game will be fairly close, however. The Clarets are well organised and their only home defeats so far have been against Liverpool and Arsenal.
This smells of a 1-1 tie 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.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Olly's pick: Chelsea will be superior. 1-3
AI's outlook: 0-2
- Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have been defeated in their past two 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 two in a row before the hiatus and, although both of those fixtures were at home, they do look strong again.
West Ham's only away win this season came at Nottingham Forest in August, when West Ham manager Nuno was still that team's manager.
So, what on earth do I go with here - can the Hammers continuing their streak under their manager, or Bournemouth responding?
I am going to go with the Cherries, because I think what occurred against Villa was a anomaly.
The pundit's forecast: 2-0
Olly's outlook: Bournemouth are doing well but West Ham have improved under their boss. 2-2
The algorithm's pick: 1-1
- Amex Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Brentford were considered one of the favourites for relegation before the campaign started, but they have surprised a few people under Keith Andrews and are in good form with three in their last four matches.
My son advised me to select Brentford striker Igor Thiago in my Fantasy Football team a few weeks ago and, unfortunately, I didn't listen.
Thiago will probably score again on the weekend but I am still not going to pick him or back the away side at Amex Stadium.
They have not had great success on the travel this term, and Brighton are always strong at home. Brentford will try to attack on the break but I think Fabian Hurzeler's side carry much more of a threat.
Sutton's forecast: 2-1
Olly's view: It could be a match where you think there is going to be a lot of scores but it in reality turns out to be rather tight. 1-1
The computer's outcome: 2-1
- Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT
This is a massive game for Fulham, who have lost five of their last six games.
Fulham have have lots of quality in their squad but it still seems like they could be dragged into a drop zone battle.
Regarding Sunderland, indeed they are the unexpected success of the top flight season so far.
Their performance in the two-all tie with Arsenal last time out was excellent. We have not witnessed anyone else disrupt the Gunners like that this term, and they were more than a match for them.
The sensible thing would be to support the Black Cats here, because they are obviously capable of roughing the hosts up too and, the last time they were in west London, they defeated the Blues at the end of October.
But I am not going to do that. Instead, I really need to continue going against the away team with my forecasts. I am claiming a lot of credit for their good outcomes because they evidently love to defy my predictions.
Looking at the home side's home form, the sole team they have been defeated by is Arsenal. Marco Silva's side will be absolutely desperate for a good outcome, so I am going to say they will pick up three much-needed points.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
The guest's choice: I'm aware the visitors are performing strongly and additionally that Fulham are on a bad run... but Fulham have nonetheless been decent at home this season. 2-0
The algorithm's outlook: 2-0
- Anfield, 15:00 GMT
It is a hard one to predict. Liverpool have suffered seven of their last ten matches in every tournament, but could they be among the sides who benefit from the {international break|