Sutton's Premier League predictions v KSI & Tommy Fury - BBC Sport (2024)

5 October 2023

Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday in a clash of last season's top two - but will injuries dent the Gunners' chances against the defending champions?

"I worry for Arsenal if they are without Bukayo Saka, I really do," BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton said. "This is a test of their mettle now.

"They are already without Gabriel Martinelli through injury, so will they carry enough of a threat against City if Saka is out as well? I am not sure."

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

His opponents for this weekend's fixtures are YouTuber KSI and boxer Tommy Fury.

The pair meet in the ring in a bout at Manchester's AO Arena on 14 October.

Sadly, Sutton will not be there to take them on at boxing - but he is confident of beating them at predictions. "I'm looking forward to banging them both out," he said.

Rapper KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, is a keen footballer as well as a boxer - his team, Sidemen FC, regularly play charity games against other celebrity opposition.

Their last match, against YouTube All Stars at West Ham's London Stadium on 9 September, took place in front of a sell-out 62,000 crowd, with millions more watching the live stream.

KSI usually plays in midfield but went in goal for that game because he was preparing for his fight with Fury.

"It was the position where we all felt that I was less likely to get injured, even though I still got slide-tackled by IShowSpeed," he told BBC Sport. "There was no harm done though.

"I play everywhere in seven-a-side games with my mates, but in these games I normally go in midfield because I tend to be the fittest guy. I like to be the CDM [central defensive midfielder] just so I clean everything up.

"I'm a better player now, but when I was a kid my position was on the bench, usually sitting on my backside - I just wasn't very good then.

"I used to watch YouTube videos about how to play like Ronaldinho, but then I would actually try it and realise I am nowhere near this level."

KSI is an Arsenal fan, and he is feeling confident about the way the Gunners are shaping up.

"I'm pretty happy with the way we've been playing this season," he added. "We've got a few injuries here and there which are a little bit worrying, but our Premier League form is still very good.

"Seeing City lose to Wolves last weekend helped us a lot, but I think there will be other teams in the title race too. Tottenham and Liverpool look very good, and Aston Villa are decent too. It's going to be very competitive at the top of the table."

Fury has also put on his boots for a good cause, playing for the Rest of the World side in their 4-2 win over England in Soccer Aid at Old Trafford earlier this year.

"It was an amazing experience," Fury told BBC Sport. "Everyone thought I did badly but I'm not having that - I thought I got in some great positions and, if I had a few more ball skills, I would have knocked in a few goals.

"I need to throw this one out there as well - I also 'megged' Jack Wilshere, and I don't want him to ever forget that. It was on camera too - there is a nice little video of me putting it through his legs!

"Being around people like Usain Bolt for a few days before the game was a real buzz. Everyone on our team was so nice and friendly - egos were left at the door, and it was one of the best weeks of my life.

"I used to play a lot when I was a kid. My grandad was heavily into football - he is from Mauritius and he used to play for them - he was probably at a semi-pro level, he was pretty good.

"He really tried to get me into football and I did play for my school and a couple of junior teams. But for whatever reason it didn't stick with me and I started playing rugby instead.

"I was always boxing throughout anyway - I just did those other sports on the side - but from about 13 it was solely boxing for me."

Fury is from Salford and supports his local team, Manchester United. "I'm not a massive football guy but my heart always lies with United. It has to - I grew up 10 minutes away from the ground, so how could it not?

"That's why it was a dream come true to play at Old Trafford, in front of 70,000 people. Not many people get to experience that, and it was just incredible.

"It definitely made me want to play again. We've been playing football in the training camp for this fight, just having kickabouts on the field in our spare time and, if I get on the pitch at Soccer Aid again next year, this time I will score!"

Chris Sutton, KSI and Tommy Fury were speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.

SUTTON'S PREDICTIONS

All matches kick off at 15:00 BST unless otherwise stated.

SATURDAY, 7 OCTOBER

Luton 0-1 Tottenham

Luton's defeat by Burnley on Tuesday will have left the Hatters feeling a bit deflated after the high of their victory at Everton last weekend.

Getting back-to-back wins would have been massive for Rob Edwards' side, but even a draw would have left them unbeaten in three league games and with something to build on.

It is hard to see them getting anything against Tottenham, who are playing well and creating lots of chances. I am going with Ange Postecoglou to continue his strong start.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

KSI's prediction: I am thinking Luton are going to be destroyed. I am going to say a big Spurs win. It's not what I want to happen but Luton's defence hasn't been great. They have managed to score here and there but I just don't fancy them being able to stop Spurs. 0-4

Tommy's prediction: My manager supports Tottenham so I've got to go with them here. 1-2

Burnley 1-4 Chelsea

Both of these teams are looking to build on much-needed positive results this week, but it's hard to know what to expect from them.

Chelsea's win over Fulham on Monday was their first league win since August, but the question now is whether they can follow up that result and find some consistency.

Scoring goals has been the Blues' biggest problem recently, so it was important for them that Mykhailo Mudryk finally got off the mark against Fulham.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke about doing extra sessions with Mudryk when he was struggling to find the net, including using the 'crossbar challenge' to try to build his confidence. It seems to have worked, and now they must hope he is fit to face Burnley too.

The Clarets' victory at Luton on Tuesday had been coming, based on what I've seen of them, and they probably felt like they deserved it after such a tough start to the season.

Vincent Kompany's side have lost four out of four at Turf Moor so far, so even a point would be a step in the right direction for them. It smells like a draw to me.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

KSI's prediction: Chelsea should be able to scrape a win, especially with Nicolas Jackson back from suspension. He should be full of confidence after scoring in the Carabao Cup last week - that should help him a bit. 0-2

Tommy's prediction: Chelsea have got to win this one, surely!? 0-2

Everton 3-0 Bournemouth

I think Bournemouth are in a bit of bother this season. They've been ahead in three games without seeing any of them out, and they are leaking a lot of goals.

I get quite a lot of stick about my predictions from Cherries fans because I never predict them to win, but there is a reason for that. They still haven't won this season, so I've been right about them as well.

I like Dominic Solanke, who has scored three goals and is their top scorer, but I am not really sure what Andoni Iraola's side are trying to do in an attacking sense.

Everton are obviously struggling too, and last weekend's home defeat by Luton was a big setback for them, but I think we will see a response here.

Sean Dyche's side will be nervous after four straight defeats at Goodison Park so I am not sure they will find their shooting boots, but I think they will find a way to stop the rot.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

KSI's prediction: Everton are a weird one, man - one minute they do well, the next minute they are just terrible. It is very difficult to predict what they are going to do, but I am backing them here. 2-1

Tommy's prediction: Everton are struggling a bit so let's go with Bournemouth to nick it. 0-1

Fulham 3-1 Sheff Utd

Sheffield United are bottom of the table but will take some heart from the fact they did not lose heavily to West Ham after being taken apart by Newcastle.

I still struggle to see how the Blades will get anything out of this game, though. Fulham have been up and down so far this season and don't score many, but I've got Raul Jimenez in my Fantasy team and I am backing him to deliver.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

KSI's prediction: I felt like Sheffield United were quite embarrassed after what happened to them against Newcastle so they will definitely tighten up their defence more. 1-1

Tommy's prediction: My nutritionist, Greg, is from Sheffield so I am backing the Blades! 2-3

Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

I lost ground against my predictions guest Jazzie Zonzolo last weekend when he correctly backed Crystal Palace to win 1-0 at Old Trafford, and then Galatasaray won there in midweek too.

You wonder when the pressure is really going to start to build on Erik ten Hag, and dropping more points here certainly wouldn't help his cause.

The one crumb of comfort for Manchester United fans is the way Rasmus Hojlund is playing up front, but I am not impressed with their new goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

So far he has been a downgrade on David de Gea. Although he edges him with his feet, I am also quite interested in what he does with his hands, and he needs to do better there.

Brentford have lacked a spark in recent weeks but will be well organised and tough to break down, then look to counter United as much as possible.

I don't think United will keep a clean sheet, but some moments of individual brilliance might win it for them - Hojlund may just make the difference.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

KSI's prediction: Manchester United - oh dear! It just keeps getting worse for them doesn't it? Brentford started the season well but their form has kind of fallen off a bit, so I am going for a draw. 2-2

Tommy's prediction: Come on, I know United lost in midweek but they've got to take this one. 2-1

Crystal Palace 0-0 Nottingham Forest

Both sides seem to be kind of middle of the road, and difficult to beat - which is a compliment - but will they carry a big enough goal threat? I'm not sure.

Crystal Palace are without the injured Eberechi Eze, which is a big deal for them. Without him, I can't see the Eagles winning.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

KSI's prediction: You know what, I can't see any goals in this one. It might be quite boring. 0-0

Tommy's prediction: A mate of mine, Morgan Gibbs-White, plays for Forest and he's a lovely lad so I will be rooting for him and I think Forest will win too. 0-2

SUNDAY, 8 OCTOBER

Brighton 2-2 Liverpool

Brighton shipped six goals last week and I think Liverpool will be able to get at them down the flanks.

Mohamed Salah looks in particularly good form at the moment - but if the Reds don't win this game then I suppose they will want a replay, won't they?

I like Reds boss Jurgen Klopp but, if that happened, it would turn football into a total farce. Everyone would want every game replayed over any contentious decision that has gone against them, which is absolutely ridiculous.

Of course they were unlucky against Tottenham and that was a horrendous decision to disallow Luis Diaz's goal, but Liverpool have to take a bit of responsibility themselves over the red cards for Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota - I really cannot understand why they appealed against Jones' sending-off.

The Seagulls played in Marseille on Thursday and we are still waiting to really see how European football will affect them this season.

Yes, they beat Bournemouth a few days after playing AEK Athens last month, but this is a much tougher task for them.

Brighton beat Liverpool twice at the Amex Stadium last season - 3-0 in the league and 2-1 in the FA Cup - but this is a different Liverpool side, especially in midfield. I can see Alexis Mac Allister shining on his old patch, and taking home the points.

Sutton's prediction: 2-3

KSI's prediction: I feel like this is going to be a goal fest - Brighton score a lot of goals but their defence was all over the place against Villa last week. The same applies to Liverpool really, so I am going for a lot of goals. 3-4

Tommy's prediction: 2-3

West Ham 2-2 Newcastle

My old mate Charlie Adam came on the Monday Night Club a few weeks ago, saying he wondered whether Newcastle would get a point in their Champions League group, but they have done a bit better than that already.

Wednesday's win over Paris St-Germain was a hell of a result and Eddie Howe's side are absolutely flying at the moment.

West Ham were another team in European action on Thursday as they went to Freiburg so we will have to see how they contend with that, but this has the makings of a really good game.

The Hammers have started the season well too and are above Newcastle in the table, and this feels like it will be close... but I am going with the team in the hottest form.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

KSI's prediction: These two teams are quite similar - defensively they are both decent and hard to break down. Newcastle will probably have a lot of possession, but West Ham won't care about that - they will just sit deep and soak it up. Newcastle will try to find some inspiration from somewhere, but this could be another one without any goals. 0-0

Tommy's prediction: I watched Newcastle beat Paris St-Germain and they were really good. On their recent form, let's go for them to win big! 0-8

Wolves 1-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa are another team doing well, while Wolves surprised everyone by beating Manchester City last weekend.

Both teams will be well organised rather than flying forward, so there won't be seven goals in this one, but I just have a feeling Villa will edge it - and it wouldn't surprise me to see Ollie Watkins grab at least one of their goals.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

KSI's prediction: There will be more goals here! 2-3

Tommy's prediction: 0-1

Arsenal v Man City (16:30)

Arsenal will still be dangerous without Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but you'd give them far more of a chance if they were coming into this game at full tilt.

City's squad is stretched too and their striker Erling Haaland is having something of a quiet spell with only one goal in his past four games, but I certainly wouldn't write him off.

Even if City don't play that well, they are resilient and I can see them hitting Arsenal with a sucker-punch - yes they lost twice last week, but they won't lose too many more games this season.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

KSI's prediction: The last time we played City, in the Community Shield, defensively we were very good and we were able to just cancel out Haaland, which is one of the best ways to cancel out City completely. We just have to stop him getting the ball, or getting chances because, possession-wise, it might be quite even. They are without Rodri and I actually think we could be somewhat comfortable and win. 2-0

KSI on Arsenal's title chances: Seeing some of the players get injured straight away hasn't helped but I still feel very confident in Arsenal and what we can do. For me, the team I'm afraid of the most is Tottenham, because they don't have any European football and can just concentrate on the Premier League. It feels like, especially this season, a lot of players are getting injured left, right and centre at the top clubs so ultimately playing less games will make a big difference. You have got to remember all the games are a lot longer now, with so much stoppage time added on, so it's more of a stretch on the squad.

Tommy's prediction: I'm definitely going with City here because Arsenal are KSI's team and I hope they don't win! That's nothing against any Arsenal fans, it's purely because of KSI that I am going this way. 1-4

How did Sutton do last week?

Sutton had to wait a long time for a win, but then two came along in the space of a few days.

Last weekend, he got four correct results from 10 matches in week seven, including two exact scores, for a total of 100 points. That was enough to beat Sumotherhood star Jazzie Zonzolo, who also got four correct results but with only one exact score, giving him a total of 70 points.

Sutton was also spot on with his prediction that Burnley would beat Luton 2-1 on Tuesday, in a game that was rearranged from week two, giving him 40 extra points.

His guest from that week, DJ and producer Anish Kumar, went for a 2-0 Clarets triumph, giving him 10 points.

They were drawing 90-90 before that game took place, meaning Sutton takes the overall victory by 130-100.

How did you get on?

With five correct predictions, you did better than Chris and Jazzie in week seven - but only just.

You failed to see the shocks coming - only 14% of you thought Palace would beat Manchester United, 8% fancied Wolves to overcome Manchester City and just 7% went for a Luton win at Goodison Park.

But you were right about Forest's draw with Brentford, by the narrowest of margins. While 37% of you went for a home win, 38% said the points would be shared.

Unlike Chris and Anish, however, you did not forecast Burnley's success at Kenilworth Road - 37% of you did back the Clarets, but 45% went for a Hatters victory.

*Win, draw, loss prediction based on highest % of vote for each match.