Is that this the start of the rise of the machines?
Final week noticed AI triumph outright for the primary time in our Premier League predictions battle, though BBC Sport’s personal knowledgeable human, Chris Sutton, factors out he’s nonetheless prime of the general league this season.
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This time, in addition to AI, Sutton faces a distinct hi-tech challenger. His visitor opponent for this weekend’s fixtures is a pc sport: Soccer Supervisor 26, the most recent version of the long-running administration simulation collection.
The FM26 sport engine has performed out this weekend’s matches and you’ll see its outcomes, together with goalscorers and crimson playing cards, beneath.
Miles Jacobson, the studio director of Sports activities Interactive, the corporate behind Soccer Supervisor, additionally joined in.
Do you agree with their scores? You can also make your personal predictions beneath.
The most well-liked scoreline chosen for every sport is used within the scoreboards and tables on the backside of this web page.
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An accurate consequence (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is value 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
FM26 is launched subsequent week and, for the primary time, permits individuals to handle throughout males’s and ladies’s groups as this version features a ladies’s soccer database that includes greater than 36,000 gamers.
There are some tactical improvements too, together with the power to select a distinct formation on your workforce relying on whether or not you might be in or out of possession, however the rise of set-pieces within the Premier League this season is one thing that has already been a part of the sport for some time.
Jacobson advised BBC Sport: “Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta is utilizing a few of the issues Tony Pulis used to do with set-pieces, by having a set-piece coach to give you concepts.
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“However set-piece coaches are one thing which have been in FM for some time, and we’ve got common conversations with fairly a couple of of them about issues they’re .
“For the time being, lengthy throws have change into modern once more, however will it final if individuals begin doing defensive coaching to cope with them?
“With the prevalence of set-piece coaches, it’s one thing that will not essentially negate itself over time, however golf equipment searching for benefits will at all times be wanting on the previous in addition to the longer term for tactics to innovate.
“That is what we’re seeing this season – one of many causes the Premier League desk is far and wide in the mean time is as a result of individuals are searching for these marginal positive factors, which is one thing individuals attempt to do always inside FM too.”
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Chris Sutton and Miles Jacobson have been chatting with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
The AI predictions have been generated utilizing Microsoft Copilot Chat – we merely requested the instrument to ‘predict this weekend’s Premier League scores’.
FM26’s Premier League predictions, together with goalscorers and crimson cardsPremier League predictionsSaturday, 1 November
Leeds have made a terrific begin and I’m happy for Daniel Farke.
He took a variety of stick when he was at Norwich, once I saved listening to how he wasn’t a Premier League supervisor, however aside from their heavy defeat at leaders Arsenal, his facet have been aggressive in all of their video games to date.
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I’m nonetheless going with a Brighton win right here, although.
The Seagulls didn’t play effectively after they misplaced at Manchester United final weekend, then went out of the Carabao Cup by the hands of the Gunners on Wednesday, however they’re unbeaten at house to date and I’m anticipating them to bounce again.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
FM26’s prediction: 1-1
Miles’ prediction: Leeds are doing higher than anticipated however I am nonetheless going for a Brighton win. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Arsenal know the best way to win video games in so many various methods, and that places them in an unbelievably sturdy place.
They have aptitude gamers, but additionally have this wonderful file of scoring from set-pieces and are sturdy defensively too.
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We discuss machines once I go up in opposition to AI or a pc sport at predictions however, let’s face it, Arsenal are a machine in the mean time and no-one is stopping them.
There have been prettier Gunners groups than this, however they’re simply so efficient they usually do not concede.
That is why we’d see a good few outcomes the place it’s ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ – as their previous music below George Graham within the Nineteen Nineties used to go – however after they hit the straps there’ll nonetheless be video games the place they take groups aside.
Like the opposite promoted groups, Burnley have been actually aggressive and ran Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis shut earlier within the season, regardless of dropping on each events.
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The Clarets’ late win at Wolves final week was an enormous consequence for them and it actually takes the strain off them right here.
You aren’t getting many free hits within the Premier League however that is one in all them – Burnley are in all probability not going to get something out of this sport, however it does not matter an excessive amount of.
I’m anticipating Scott Parker’s facet to be strong, hold it shut, and keep within the sport, which is an indication of the place they’re at… however Arsenal will nonetheless win – and you’ll in all probability guess what rating I’m going for.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
FM26’s prediction: 1-2
Miles’ prediction: Like Leeds, Burnley have carried out higher than I assumed they’d, however there is a motive Arsenal are unbeaten for such a very long time. 1-2
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AI’s prediction: 0-3
These groups are subsequent to one another in mid-table and it seems like they’ve each made optimistic begins to the season – in addition they each progressed within the Carabao Cup in midweek.
There have been a variety of doubters when Keith Andrews succeeded Thomas Frank as Brentford boss – about Andrews himself and likewise how the workforce would do with out Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa – however they’ve coped admirably.
The Bees are an excellent counter-attacking workforce, so it will be fascinating to see how they get on in opposition to a Crystal Palace facet who might be superior on the break.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
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FM26’s prediction: 0-0
Miles’ prediction: It is an fascinating transition for Brentford to go from Frank to Andrews in his first managerial function however he’s doing effectively. They’ve saved fairly a couple of of the previous backroom employees and the system they have in place on the membership is extra owner-driven than most golf equipment. 1-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Craven Cottage, 15:00 BST
That is large, for each groups.
Wolves thumped Fulham right here final season, in one in all Gary O’Neil’s closing video games in cost earlier than Vitor Pereira took over – and boy how Pereira may do with the same consequence this time too.
It does not get a lot worse for a supervisor than arguing with your personal followers, which is what occurred after Wolves misplaced to Burnley final day out, and Pereira’s facet are backside and not using a league win this season.
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Fulham are on an terrible run too, struggling 4 straight defeats. They have not at all times performed too badly, however you may simply sense the arrogance sapping out of them.
Wolves’ drawback is they’re conceding too many – at present their common is greater than two targets a sport – and I do not suppose you may keep within the Premier League doing that.
Pereira shored issues up when he first got here in – O’Neil’s Wolves conceded 40 from their 16 league video games final season earlier than Pereira took cost, then solely let in 21 targets of their subsequent 16 below him.
That is what he has to do once more, however it’s clear they haven’t changed the gamers they offered in the summertime with the identical high quality, and there’s no signal he’ll cease them leaking targets.
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That is the form of sport the place I truly fancy each groups to lose however I’m going to again Fulham to edge it at house.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
FM26’s prediction: 0-1
Miles’ prediction: Wolves truly did all proper within the Carabao Cup this week regardless of dropping 4-3 to Chelsea – I do know that wasn’t their full first-team however they’ve proven glimpses of what they’ll do prior to now few weeks too. They might in all probability accept a draw right here, and so would Fulham. 2-2
AI’s prediction: 2-1
The Nottingham Forest followers appear to be pleased with Sean Dyche as supervisor and I believe they are going to be affected person with him – he has that affiliation with the membership after beginning his enjoying profession there.
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I believe they could have to attend a bit longer for his first Premier League win, although.
Manchester United have picked up a bit, and Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are proving me proper after I stated in the summertime they’d show to be nice signings.
They carry nice variation after they play collectively – Mbeumo runs in behind, whereas Cunha comes deep searching for the ball to ft – they usually each hyperlink the assault so effectively.
Defensively, there are nonetheless issues with United, nonetheless.
They’ve put collectively a three-game profitable streak however they aren’t on the stage the place I belief them to show up each week, and I can see that run coming to an finish right here.
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Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
FM26’s prediction: 1-2
Miles’ prediction: Sean Dyche will likely be making an attempt to tighten issues up at Forest a little bit bit, however United are on a roll. 0-1
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 17:30 BST
That is at all times a little bit of a grudge sport as a result of the 2 units of followers do not actually like one another.
Chelsea want the consequence extra, they usually even have a significantly better file on this fixture, however their house defeat in opposition to Sunderland was one other instance of how flaky they’re in the mean time.
Tottenham have made the higher begin to the season, however it nonetheless seems like there’s extra to come back from them when their injured gamers come again – which will not occur this week.
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I do not actually know which method to go together with my prediction, so I’m going to for a draw. I really feel like I’m turning into AI.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
FM26’s prediction: 1-1
Miles’ prediction: Tottenham have a variety of damage issues going into this one, whereas Chelsea have a couple of disciplinary issues. I am hoping for a superb sport. 2-2
AI’s prediction: 2-2
Liverpool boss Arne Slot made a variety of modifications for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Crystal Palace however it nonetheless felt like one other damaging defeat, their sixth prior to now seven video games.
Slot’s facet play Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis after this, they usually desperately want to finish this droop in type earlier than it will get any worse.
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He rested gamers in opposition to Palace for this weekend, so he is aware of how vital it’s, however on present type, Aston Villa are favourites – they’ve gained their previous 4 league video games and are on a roll.
Taking a look at each groups over the previous few weeks you’ll count on Villa to get one thing right here, however I want to make use of all my information to get the higher of AI.
So, with this sport I’m going to base my prediction on one thing that I considered once I was a participant – historical past.
Villa have taken just one level from their previous seven visits to Anfield, and have gained solely one in all their previous 15 league video games in opposition to Liverpool – though that was a 7-2 success in October 2020.
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I had my bogey groups – most of them felt like that by the top to be trustworthy – and I do not suppose AI will perceive that a part of the sport (Sutton doesn’t know anybody else’s predictions when he makes his).
So, I’m going with Liverpool to win, with Mohamed Salah getting a hat-trick.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
FM26’s prediction: 3-1
Miles’ prediction: In-form Villa versus out-of-form Liverpool… however they’ve to come back again into type sooner or later. I simply need a aim from Florian Wirtz as a result of I’ve bought him in my Fantasy Premier League workforce. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Sunday, 2 November
London Stadium, 14:00 BST
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Newcastle marched on within the Carabao Cup in midweek and, after profitable it final season and ending their lengthy look forward to silverware, I’m beginning to consider whether or not Eddie Howe can get his palms on one other trophy.
West Ham, in distinction, are in serious trouble. Nuno Espirito Santo had a free week to work on issues on the coaching floor however whoever he picks, it does not appear to make a lot distinction.
The Hammers concede a variety of targets from set-plays and I really feel as if Newcastle are going to simply be too sturdy for them in each space.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-2
FM26’s prediction: 2-1
Miles’ prediction: I really feel like each groups must be doing higher within the Premier League, however particularly West Ham. 1-1
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AI’s prediction: 1-2
Etihad Stadium, 16:30 BST
I discussed historical past earlier, and Manchester Metropolis have gained all eight of their house Premier League video games in opposition to Bournemouth since 2015, scoring 31 targets and conceding 5, however I nonetheless do not suppose anybody will likely be overly assured they may beat the Cherries this time.
Metropolis are so reliant on their massive quantity 9 and their massive goalkeeper this season, and that has to vary. They want different gamers to step up.
It additionally seems like a mistake for Pep Guardiola to disregard the rise within the significance in set-pieces – Metropolis are the one Premier League workforce to not rating from one this season.
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He says he needs to concentrate on creating extra possibilities in open play however it’s confirmed that corners and throw-ins work, so my recommendation to Pep is that perhaps it’s time for him to get some massive gamers in, and launch it!
I’m tempted to go for Bournemouth to get at the least a draw right here as a result of they may minimize via Metropolis and get some possibilities, however as a substitute I’m going to be courageous and again Erling Haaland and Metropolis, primarily as a result of they’re at house but additionally as a result of they’ve Gianluigi Donnarumma in aim.
Bournemouth will rating however Metropolis will win. I’ve bought Cherries keeper Djordje Petrovic in my Fantasy workforce in the mean time, so I want to maneuver him out.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
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FM26’s prediction: 3-2
Miles’ prediction: Bournemouth are completely flying and have all the arrogance on this planet. In case you have a look at their bench, they have some unbelievable gamers that are not getting to begin in the mean time. It is a actually fascinating journey they’re on in the mean time, and we should wait to see if they’ll stick with it. Given their type, and Metropolis’s, I’m going for an thrilling draw. 2-2
AI’s prediction: 3-0
Monday, 3 November
Stadium of Mild, 20:00 BST
I’m torn right here. I’m at all times unsuitable about Sunderland and I do know which means I’ve bought a big fanbase on Wearside.
Due to that, I do not wish to jinx the Black Cats by saying they may win… however it is usually arduous to make a case for Everton getting something.
My 606 co-host Roman Kemp stated their Hill-Dickinson Stadium will likely be a fortress for them this season, however Tottenham did not have an excessive amount of hassle there final Sunday with a 3-0 win.
David Moyes’ facet actually need to reply after that defeat however what he wants greater than something as he goes again to one in all his former golf equipment is a finisher.
Beto misses so many possibilities, however I’m backing him to place his boots on the suitable ft this week and rating to seize his facet some extent.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
FM26’s prediction: 0-4
Miles’ prediction: Everton have misplaced their final two video games and Sunderland are wanting sturdy at house, however Oliver and Paul Collyer, who’re the founders of Sports activities Interactive, are large Everton followers and I might not dwell it down if I went for a Sunderland win. 1-1
AI’s prediction: 1-1
How did Sutton do final week?
Chris bought 4 appropriate outcomes, together with one actual rating, from the ten video games performed in week 9, giving him 70 factors.
That was sufficient for him to beat his visitor, The Charlatans guitarist Mark Collins, who bought three appropriate outcomes with one actual rating, for a tally of 60 factors.
The BBC readers did higher, with 5 appropriate outcomes, together with three actual scores, leaving them on 140 factors, they usually took the competition to the ultimate sport of the weekend – Tottenham’s 3-0 win at Everton.
AI was the one predictor to again Spurs, going for a 1-0 away victory, which meant it ended up with six appropriate outcomes and three actual scores, and a profitable whole of 150 factors.
“I am nonetheless prime of the league and that is what counts,” stated Sutton. “The machines usually are not taking on but.”
Weekly wins, ties and whole factors after week 9. . .
Visitor leaderboard 2025-26. . * Common after 9 weeks.