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BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton returns to make his Premier League match predictions, this week joined by actor and Arsenal supporter John Hannah. Hannah, known for his roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Mummy, discussed his childhood football dreams and shared his scorelines for the upcoming weekend fixtures.
Chelsea vs Manchester United
As reported by BBC Sport, the weekend action opens at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 31 August, where Manchester United face mounting pressure regarding manager Michael Carrick’s future following heavy defeats against Como and Bournemouth. Sutton noted that keeping Carrick in charge might only prolong his misery, and with United appearing insipid recently, it is difficult to see them securing a result against Chelsea. Despite Chelsea also suffering a recent Carabao Cup exit against Liverpool and missing the injured Joao Pedro, Sutton predicts a 3-1 victory for the Blues, while Hannah also backs a 3-1 scoreline and the artificial intelligence predicts 2-1.
Bournemouth vs Leeds
At the Vitality Stadium, an in-form Bournemouth side riding high on successive wins over Aston Villa, Manchester United, and AC Milan face a structured Leeds United team. Sutton highlighted that while Leeds lack prolific scoring, they remain defensively solid, leading him to predict a 1-1 draw. Hannah anticipates a higher-scoring affair and forecasts a 2-2 tie.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest enter their fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium desperate for a win after failing to capitalize on their chances against Ipswich, leaving them in the bottom three under Oliver Glasner. With Brentford recording frequent draws recently, Hannah suggests home advantage will give the Bees an edge in a 2-1 win.
Coventry vs Sunderland
Sunderland travel to face Coventry in a battle between the bottom two sides in the league standings. Sutton pointed out that while Coventry display commendable effort and counter-attacking pace, they lack the overall quality of most Premier League opponents. Boosted by Brian Brobbey returning from injury and a recent cup win over Brentford, Sutton backs Sunderland to secure a narrow 1-0 away win, with Hannah predicting 2-0.
Hull vs Ipswich
Both newly promoted clubs have accumulated 10 points so far this season, marking a decent start to their campaigns. Although a draw appears the most likely outcome, Sutton backs Ipswich to snatch an away win by 2-1, citing the Tractor Boys’ capability to score goals on the road, whereas Hannah expects Hull to prevail 2-0.
Manchester City vs Brighton
Manchester City host Brighton at the Etihad Stadium following a penalty shootout victory over the Seagulls in the Carabao Cup midweek. Sutton expects goals in the fixture and tips Erling Haaland to score a couple, predicting a 3-1 home win, which matches the prediction from the artificial intelligence and Hannah’s forecast.
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after advancing to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals past Fulham, a result manager Pierre Sage urgently needed given their league struggles. Sutton observed that Spurs have found a winning formula under recent matches and predicts a 2-0 victory for the hosts, while Hannah goes against the grain with a 1-0 win for Palace.
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Fulham head to Villa Park to face an in-form Aston Villa side under a strong league run. Sutton expects further goals from Villa striker Nicolas Jackson and backs the hosts to halt Fulham’s momentum, whereas Hannah predicts a stalemate at 0-0.
Liverpool vs Arsenal
On Sunday, 1 November, Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in a high-profile fixture following their shock Carabao Cup exit against Fleetwood Town. Sutton noted that Liverpool have significantly tightened their defense compared to last season and predicts a repeat of last term’s 1-0 scoreline in favor of the Reds, with Dominik Szoboszlai previously deciding the encounter. Hannah, highlighting key former Arsenal figures such as Ian Wright, Tony Adams, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, and Santi Cazorla, believes Martin Odegaard will make the difference for a 2-0 Arsenal win.
Newcastle vs Everton
The weekend concludes on Monday, 2 November, at St James’ Park as Everton face Newcastle United. Sutton stated that Newcastle’s open style of play will likely offer Everton opportunities through Thierno Barry, leading him to predict a score draw, a sentiment echoed by Hannah who forecasts a 1-1 result.
