Is predicting Premier League outcomes getting tougher?
BBC Sport’s soccer knowledgeable Chris Sutton believes it’s – and never simply because he misplaced to AI once more final week.
“Honest play to AI for doing so effectively, but it surely simply makes me suppose that it is not likely AI,” he stated. “It is both copying me, or somebody have to be telling it what to do.
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“However I’ve to say that making these predictions is getting more durable. Everybody is thrashing everybody, and solely Arsenal seem immune.
“Final yr you might hold your hat on Liverpool profitable each sport, however not anymore. Even so, I do not suppose anybody on the planet thought Nottingham Forest would win 3-0 at Anfield final week.”
Sutton isn’t fairly proper there, although, as a result of from out of just about 45,000 predictions by the BBC readers, 38 of you went for a 3-0 Forest success. Nonetheless, there have been 20 different scorelines that have been extra well-liked picks, most of them involving a Liverpool victory.
The place will the shocks occur this weekend? Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League video games this season, in opposition to AI, BBC Sport readers and a wide range of company.
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For week 13, he takes on rapper Kofi Stone, who’s an Aston Villa fan.
His new album, All The Flowers Have Bloomed, is out now.
Do you agree with their scores? You may 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.
An accurate end result (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is price 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
Stone has been a Villa fan since he moved to Birmingham as a younger boy and his uncle purchased him a membership shirt.
“No-one informed me who to assist, however that is the way it began,” he informed BBC Sport.
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“I lived in Walthamstow to begin with, and I wasn’t into soccer then, however after I moved it was across the identical time my uncle gave me that high and I simply suppose that being in Birmingham, all of it made sense.
“I simply did not let go of the shirt. It had AST because the sponsors, so it was old-school even then, though I am unable to keep in mind precisely what yr it was.
“I hardly took it off. My mum tells me that when she needed to scrub it, I used to attend by the washer ready for it to complete, so I might put on it some extra.
“I’ve bought to be sincere although, I wasn’t that loyal to start with.
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“My favorite Villa participant was Darius Vassell, and when he moved to Manchester Metropolis my cousins used to make enjoyable of me after I got here again to London, as a result of I used to be such an enormous fan of his that I wore a Metropolis shirt for a bit.
“In addition to Vassell, I simply keep in mind Thomas Hitzlsperger was wonderful – he had a rocket shot on him – and up entrance Juan Pablo Angel was sensible, then Gabriel Agbonlahor too.”
Some Villa legends there, however what a few sure Chris Sutton, who joined Villa in 2006?
“It was a brief stint he had with us, wasn’t it?” added Stone.
“I clearly know him as a pundit, however I do not actually keep in mind him a lot as a Villa participant. Sorry, Chris!”
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Chris Sutton and Kofi Stone have been talking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
The AI predictions have been generated utilizing Microsoft Copilot Chat – we merely requested the software to ‘predict this weekend’s Premier League scores’.
Premier League predictionsSaturday, 29 November
Gtech Group Stadium, 15:00 GMT
Brentford have been a penalty kick away from getting some extent at Brighton final week, however Igor Thiago had his injury-time effort saved.
Bees boss Keith Andrews took the biscuit a bit afterwards, saying Thiago missed it as a result of he needed to wait too lengthy to take it. I imply, come on Keith, you’re higher than that!
I am not saying it is supreme to have to attend to take a penalty like that, however it’s a part of soccer now.
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Brentford’s outcomes have been respectable at residence, with 4 wins out of six, and they need to win this too, but it surely is perhaps nearer than individuals anticipate.
I’m discovering Burnley troublesome to foretell as a result of I do not suppose they’ve been as unhealthy as their type suggests.
Wolves, with 10 defeats, are the one group to have misplaced extra video games than the Clarets (eight) to date, however I nonetheless really feel like Scott Parker’s aspect have been aggressive.
Burnley have gotten some combat, spirit and organisation. Their largest drawback, although, is that they battle to attain.
I used to be going to say Brentford will win 1-0, however then I discovered they’ve scored a mean of two targets a sport at residence, so let’s go for them to keep up that.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Kofi’s prediction: That is going to be shut. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 2-0
Etihad Stadium, 15:00 GMT
It was Leeds’ residence defeat to Aston Villa that price me in my predictions final week, as a result of I went for a draw, however I used to be at that sport and so they might simply have gotten one thing from it.
It looks like they put a lot into the primary half, that they weren’t in a position to preserve that depth and, from what I noticed, there should even be query marks over whether or not they’ll rating sufficient targets.
I’m at this sport too, for Radio 5 Stay, however there isn’t any means I’m predicting Leeds to get something this time.
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Their residence type has been respectable, however away they’ve struggled – and the final time they stored a clear sheet anyplace was the tip of August.
Manchester Metropolis have had a foul week too, with defeats to Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen.
Boss Pep Guardiola made 10 adjustments for the Champions League sport with Leverkusen which was an odd factor to do, and it backfired massively as a result of now his group have gotten work to do to make the knockout stage robotically.
Earlier than the worldwide break, their current type recommended they’d turned the nook and have been going to go on a run to actually push leaders Arsenal. Two defeats in every week in two totally different competitions tells a special story, although.
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Even so, I do not see Metropolis having any issues right here. Enjoying Leeds, at residence, is a superb alternative for them to get again on monitor.
That is the sport the place everybody who does Fantasy Premier League, myself included, is considering to triple captain Erling Haaland and he’ll rating a barrel load.
Sutton’s prediction: 4-0
Kofi’s prediction: Metropolis to take this fairly comfortably. 3-1
AI’s prediction: 3-1
Stadium of Gentle, 15:00 GMT
Bournemouth have had a couple of accidents which could clarify their drop in type and what occurs right here would possibly depend upon whether or not key ahead Antoine Semenyo is ready to return for them.
He missed final week’s draw with West Ham with sickness and in addition has an ankle drawback, however with out him his aspect nonetheless got here again from 2-0 right down to take some extent – one other end result I bought unsuitable.
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One of many video games I used to be precisely proper about final week was Fulham’s 1-0 win over Sunderland, however I’m actually undecided how this one will go.
It looks like selecting a winner is a toss of a coin, and in these conditions I normally go for a 1-1 draw.
This time, although, due to the abuse I bought on-line from a sure Sunderland fan for what he felt was a ‘silly’ prediction for the Fulham sport, I’m going to say Bournemouth will return to profitable methods.
He accused me of being actually thick for predicting a 1-0 Fulham win and, whereas I’m usually fairly silly, there is perhaps a bit little bit of egg on his face now.
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Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Kofi’s prediction: They’ve each been doing effectively, and I am going for some targets right here. 2-3
AI’s prediction: 1-1
Hill Dickinson Stadium, 17:30 GMT
I actually like what David Moyes is doing at Everton. They have been excellent of their win at Outdated Trafford on Monday – firstly with 11 males after which particularly with 10.
I fairly loved that led to Gueye’s crimson card. There was many a team-mate of mine who needed to thump me, I can inform you. Trying again, I might have completely deserved it too.
With Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor and Iliman Ndiaye, Everton have gotten a bit about them going ahead and they’re nice to observe, however they’re simply lacking a goalscorer.
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Their centre-forward in opposition to Manchester United, Thierno Barry, truly did all proper. He did not seem like he was going to attain however, in that situation, with 10 males, he labored so arduous and was getting on the tip of a number of balls as much as him.
Whether or not it’s Barry or Beto who begins in opposition to Newcastle, they’re each due a aim – Beto has not discovered the online since August, whereas Barry has not scored this season.
Other than Everton’s centre-forward not scoring, one of many few different issues that has been constant because the season began is Newcastle’s away type, in that it’s actually poor and so they have not received within the league since April.
Nonetheless, in the case of predictions, with the standard they’ve of their group, I’m all the time left considering, ‘will it change this week?’
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They’ll have their moments in opposition to Everton, however I’m not this sport and considering they’ll go there and win. As a substitute, I’m going to take a seat on the fence.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Kofi’s prediction: Newcastle are clearly aspect, however their away type is not nice. I feel each group’s model of play will likely be fairly related. 1-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 20:00 GMT
Tottenham performed effectively of their defeat by Paris St-Germain on Wednesday and that makes me suppose they could have an excessive amount of for Fulham.
Marco Silva’s aspect actually wanted their win over Sunderland to keep away from being dragged into the relegation scrap, and they’re nonetheless not out of hassle.
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Fulham’s away report is fairly terrible however then so is Tottenham’s residence type, so the apparent factor to go for here’s a draw.
It is solely taken me 4 seasons of doing these predictions, however I’m lastly making use of some logic.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Kofi’s prediction: Spurs have gotten some extent to show after final weekend’s north London derby. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Sunday, 30 November
I learn an article this week which stated how Manchester United are both excessive as a kite or low as a snake’s stomach – there’s by no means any center floor the place they’re simply doing all proper.
Earlier than the worldwide break, United had gone 5 video games unbeaten and I stored listening to how they’re ‘again’. Now, after such an terrible show and defeat in opposition to Everton’s 10 males on Monday, they’re again in hassle.
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Each these groups are constructed round a 3-4-2-1 form, however Crystal Palace’s gamers nonetheless look like a a lot better match to their formation.
United have a poor report at Selhurst Park in current seasons, and haven’t received there since 2019. I do not see that altering on Sunday.
My solely concern concerning the Eagles is that if they choose up any accidents within the Europa Convention League tie on Thursday, however I’m nonetheless backing them.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Kofi’s prediction: Palace don’t have any concern and so they could cause anybody issues. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 1-0
New boss Rob Edwards didn’t get the beginning he needed with Wolves final week and issues is not going to be any simpler right here.
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I’m not anticipating any surprises, and all the pieces factors in the direction of an Aston Villa win.
Villa’s solely actual problem in the mean time is that Ollie Watkins can’t discover his type – I’ve been there myself as a striker, when you may simply turn into a bit hesitant somewhat than instinctive, however it would solely take a aim or two to get him going once more.
As for backside membership Wolves, effectively they’re in determined hassle. I keep in mind one season with Blackburn [1996-97] once we had 4 factors from our first 11 Premier League video games.
We ended up staying up however, with respect, we had some good gamers and have been additionally tremendous aggressive with the way in which we performed to choose up outcomes. I’m not so certain Wolves have that about them.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Kofi’s prediction: That is the large one. I’m in London in the mean time and I am actually upset I am unable to go as a result of the ambiance can be unreal. In fact I’m going with the boys to win – VTID! 3-0
Kofi on Villa’s season: It was wanting fairly rocky to start with however Unai Emery has instilled this perception the place it is like we really feel we are able to beat anybody. Hopefully we are able to keep within the high 4.
AI’s prediction: 2-0
What an exceptional end result for Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche at Anfield final week.
Folks can speak about Liverpool’s lack of type as a lot as they like, however Forest deserve big credit score.
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This can be a robust sport to name, although, as a result of I all the time fancy Brighton to attain a aim or two.
The Seagulls have solely received as soon as away from residence all season, however that simply makes me suppose they’ll get a end result.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Kofi’s prediction: Brighton would possibly edge this. 1-2
AI’s prediction: 2-2
London Stadium, 14:05 GMT
Liverpool’s run of defeats can’t go on indefinitely, however what’s there to counsel it would finish on Sunday in opposition to the Hammers?
I had this drawback with predicting Manchester Metropolis final season after they misplaced a number of video games however I stored considering they might flip it round.
However you get to a stage the place you must simply go together with your intestine, overlook what group Liverpool was, and as a substitute make a prediction primarily based on the way in which they’re enjoying in the mean time.
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There has undoubtedly been an upturn in type from West Ham below Nuno Espirito Santo, and I am unable to see Liverpool holding a clear sheet.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Kofi’s prediction: It looks like Liverpool have dropped the ball a bit bit up to now few video games. West Ham are going to go for it, too. 2-2
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Stamford Bridge, 16:30 GMT
This can be a huge one – second versus first – and it isn’t the time to take a seat on the fence.
I used to be proper that Arsenal would wipe the ground with Tottenham – I went 3-0 and it was 4-1 – however I did not get any further prediction factors for being so courageous, and so shut.
I like what Enzo Maresca is doing at Chelsea and he’s one other supervisor who sticks to his rules in the way in which his group play.
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Chelsea have stored three clear sheets in a row now too, so they’re wanting fairly stable on the again, however I nonetheless suppose Arsenal will likely be too highly effective for them.
Mikel Arteta’s aspect confirmed how good they’re after they beat Bayern Munich within the Champions League on Wednesday. They’ve proven they’ll beat any group in any means – out-muscle them, out-fight them or out-play them – and they are going to be prepared for Chelsea.
Maresca would possibly go along with some tempo up high once more like he did in opposition to Barcelona’s excessive line, however Arsenal could have an excessive amount of nous for them and I truly suppose they’ll win fairly comfortably.
Chelsea have made a extremely good begin to the season however I do not see them, or anybody else, pushing Arsenal shut within the title race.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-2
Kofi’s prediction: Chelsea are wanting good and my preliminary thought right here was 1-1, however I truly suppose there is perhaps extra targets than that. The extra I give it some thought, too, the extra I feel Arsenal will win. 2-3
AI’s prediction: 1-2
How did Sutton do final time?
Chris bought 5 right outcomes, together with three precise scores, from the ten video games in week 12 for a formidable whole of 140 factors – however that also wasn’t sufficient for victory.
He did do higher than his visitor, singer Olly Murs, who additionally bought six right outcomes, however just one precise rating, giving him 90 factors.
And Chris additionally outdid the collective efforts of the BBC readers, which noticed them get 4 right outcomes with three precise scores as they ended up on 130 factors.
However the weekly win went to AI, which bought six right outcomes, together with three precise scores, for a tally of 150 factors.