Aston Villa are going for a fourth successive Premier League victory after they journey to Brighton on Wednesday, however ought to Unai Emery’s aspect change the best way they’ve been scoring targets on their profitable run?
“There’s apparently some debate about whether or not Villa’s xG (anticipated targets) is unsustainable as a result of they’re scoring from lengthy vary, however that is nonsense,” mentioned BBC Sport soccer knowledgeable Chris Sutton.
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“Villa have good gamers who can shoot from the sting of the field, so are you significantly going to inform them to not shoot now, due to xG? Give me a break.”
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League video games this season, towards AI, BBC Sport readers and a wide range of friends.
For the midweek fixtures in week 14, he takes on musician, creator and Fulham fan Felix White.
White is the guitarist with The Maccabees and 86TVs. His new ebook ‘No matter might be, might be: A Matter of Life and Soccer’ is out now.
Do you agree with their scores? You can also make your personal predictions beneath.
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The preferred scoreline chosen for every recreation is used within the scoreboards and tables on the backside of this web page.
An accurate outcome (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is value 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
White co-presents the BBC cricket podcast, Tailenders, and the official Fulham podcast, Fulham Repair [BBC]
White’s ebook follows his journey by means of the 2024-25 FA Cup marketing campaign from the extra-preliminary spherical to the ultimate at Wembley.
“It began by chance once I was on tour with 86TVs, at Kendal Calling within the Lake District,” White informed BBC Sport.
“I used to be having a bizarre day and, in all probability like many individuals studying this, when I’m feeling like that I very often go and discover soccer or cricket. I discover watching it simply airbrushes me, and simply modifications my mind-set in regards to the world.
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“I noticed Penrith have been enjoying down the street and we weren’t on stage till after 6pm, so I labored out I’d simply have sufficient time to get again afterwards. I watched the sport of their floor surrounded by hills, and it gave me a sensation nearly like I used to be watching soccer for the very first time.
“Anyway, I realised on the finish that I could not get a taxi again to the competition so I had a little bit of a panic, and I ended up getting a raise with a man known as Billy Williams, who turned out to be the chairman of Penrith.
“Once I was within the automobile with him, all these tales got here flooding out and it made me assume that from a literary perspective, the FA Cup is kind of a profound form of framework.
“Due to what it means to individuals, I realised this was an journey the place I may write a ebook telling a narrative not nearly English soccer, however about England itself.”
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Chris Sutton and Felix White have been chatting with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
The AI predictions have been generated utilizing Microsoft Copilot Chat – we merely requested the device to ‘predict this week’s Premier League scores’.
Premier League predictionsTuesday, 2 December
Vitality Stadium, 19:30 GMT
It is a tough one to begin off with. Each groups suffered unhealthy defeats on the weekend for various causes.
Bournemouth let a two-goal lead slip as they went down 3-2 at Sunderland and have now misplaced three of their previous 4 video games.
At 2-2, Evanilson had a purpose disallowed for offside when he tapped in a deflected cross which appeared prefer it was heading in anyway. I used to be attempting to assume again as to if I might have finished the identical factor as a striker and, sure, I might. Single-mindedness is what I might name it.
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Everton have certainly obtained to defend higher than they did of their 4-1 defeat by Newcastle. I simply did not anticipate to see them capitulate like that.
Bournemouth have began leaking a number of targets just lately too, so perhaps there may be some hope for one in every of Everton’s less-than-prolific strikers to lastly discover the online – however I truly assume this might be fairly tight and the Cherries will edge it.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Felix’s prediction: These two sides are going to stage out and find yourself fairly shut to one another within the desk by the top of the season, in eighth or ninth or one thing like that. I really feel like they may carefully matched on Tuesday, too. 1-1
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AI’s prediction: 2-1
I’m at this recreation for five Stay. We had my predictions opponent Felix on the FPL Podcast final week and I do know he’ll go for a Fulham win right here – I actually like him, and I take pleasure in listening to Tailenders, however I am sorry to say he will get this prediction unsuitable.
Fulham’s dwelling type this season in all probability provides Felix some hope however their report towards Metropolis is completely terrible.
Metropolis have gained their previous 18 conferences in all competitions since 2012, which is the longest profitable run by a staff towards any opponent in the complete historical past of English soccer, scoring 54 targets and conceding solely seven.
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I coated Metropolis towards Leeds on Saturday and so they obtained fortunate, whereas away from dwelling they’ve misplaced thrice already.
With the run they’re on towards Fulham, nevertheless, there isn’t any manner they will not win this recreation.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-2
Felix’s prediction: That is the one recreation I’m going to name completely from my coronary heart and never my head. We’ve got crushed quite a lot of large groups just lately, however we’ve not crushed Metropolis for a very long time, particularly on the Cottage. That modifications right here, and in precisely the identical manner that we beat Liverpool in April.
So, Metropolis are going to go 1-0 up then we’ll rating three. They may nick one again after which there might be 10 minutes of manic defending, however we’ll maintain on. 3-2
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Felix on Fulham: It has been such a bizarre season as a result of the desk is so tight in the mean time that one unhealthy outcome makes everybody fear about relegation, and a few good ones, like we have simply had, makes you assume ‘oh we’re solely 5 factors from being fifth’.
AI’s prediction: 1-3
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank wants a outcome. He was so relaxed when he was at Brentford however now he simply seems like a man beneath stress.
Frank saying the supporters who booed Guglielmo Vicario after his mistake towards Fulham “cannot be true Tottenham followers” underlines the friction he’s feeling in the mean time, however he does have some extent in regards to the impact that has.
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As a participant who has been booed quite a bit through the years, I can inform you that it would not have a constructive influence in your efficiency. Being severe, although, I simply do not get it – it simply creates negativity.
The Spurs gamers will in all probability be relieved to be enjoying away after that, however Newcastle have discovered a little bit of type up to now week so this isn’t a straightforward journey in any respect.
Tottenham have already this season within the Carabao Cup, and I’m going for a repeat outcome, by the identical scoreline.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Felix’s prediction: It appears like Newcastle are simply beginning to undergo the gears. In distinction, with the quantity of video games Spurs have gotten and the shape they’re in, they’re going to be struggling. 3-0
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AI’s prediction: 2-0
Wednesday, 3 December
Chelsea have been right down to 10 males for an hour on Sunday so I used to be a little bit bit stunned Arsenal didn’t go for it extra.
There was official criticism of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta up to now about him being too adverse, and I do not assume they went for the jugular at Stamford Bridge.
If it was 11 versus 11 then a 1-1 draw there may be not a foul outcome in any respect, as a result of Chelsea are a very good staff, however are Arsenal taking advantage of these alternatives? I’m not positive.
Nonetheless, I feel they may bounce again and beat Brentford, and I can see them getting a number of targets this time.
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We all know the Bees will sit in and attempt to hit them on the counter with balls in behind for Igor Thiago, however I do not assume it’s going to work.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-0
Felix’s prediction: Arsenal are going to win this, aren’t they? They simply look so skilled and so strong.
They’ll be completely cruising within the title race till February or March after which if Manchester Metropolis or Chelsea, or whoever it’s, are inside 5 or 6 factors then they may really feel the stress. I can see them dropping a recreation or two then, however provided that anybody continues to be near them.
For now, although, I do not see anybody beating them. 2-0
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AI’s prediction: 2-0
Villa are enjoying properly proper now however it is a robust journey for them and with their heavy schedule it is perhaps a recreation too far.
Brighton are in nice type too, particularly at dwelling. Their boss Fabian Hurzeler has finished an amazing job there.
The Seagulls have gotten loads of firepower and a robust squad so, on that foundation, I’m going to again them.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Felix’s prediction: Brighton are in actually good type. Villa are too, however I feel the video games may meet up with them right here. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Manchester United didn’t must play significantly properly to beat Crystal Palace on Sunday, and Eagles boss Oliver Glasner moaned afterwards in regards to the membership’s failure to convey gamers in over the summer season.
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When a supervisor does that, I begin to surprise how lengthy he’ll cling round. I get it – you must go away when your inventory is excessive, and Glasner’s actually is in the mean time.
He’s proper, although, as a result of their squad is stretched. Glasner should have been listening to the Monday Evening Membership as a result of I have been saying the identical factor because the begin of the season, about how they’re going to come a cropper as a result of it is rather tough to compete with out that depth.
I nonetheless assume Palace will win this recreation although, as a result of Burnley are in a little bit of hassle.
Scott Parker’s aspect do not rating sufficient targets so it was actual blow for them to get stage at Brentford with 5 minutes to go on Saturday and nonetheless get nothing from the sport.
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I’ve a sense they may battle away right here too, after which see Palace sneak it late on.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Felix’s prediction: Palace even have performed a great deal of video games and I had a sense they might wrestle towards Manchester United earlier than they misplaced on Sunday. I nonetheless assume they may win this one although. It appears like Burnley ship targets on the finish of video games, as a result of they do not fairly final the tempo. 1-3
Felix on being at Wembley when Palace gained final season’s FA Cup: I had so many mad journeys and adventures within the ebook, and it nearly grew to become about discovering the sport that had the story behind it that had nothing to do with soccer, however was in regards to the individuals I met and even me personally.
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However I do must say that being among the many Palace followers at Wembley was truthfully the closest factor I’ve seen to an precise spiritual expertise.
The sense that they have been doing one thing by profitable their first main trophy that their mother and father or grandparents who supported Palace could not see, was unimaginable. It captured the very essence of the ebook as a result of I used to be searching for the magic of the FA Cup and I discovered it proper there. Even speaking about it now, I nonetheless get shivers.
AI’s prediction: 1-1
Wolves truly performed all proper towards Aston Villa on Sunday however they nonetheless misplaced once more.
There are six months of the season left to play however, let’s face it, they’ve had it.
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They nonetheless solely have two factors from their first 13 video games, and there’s no manner Rob Edwards can rescue them from right here.
They might usher in Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho – three of the good Premier League managers – and so they nonetheless would not maintain them up.
Wolves do have one thing to play for, although. I did not assume any staff might be as unhealthy as Robbie Savage’s Derby County aspect that went down with a report Premier League low of 11 factors in 2007-08, so beating that complete is perhaps their solely intention now.
Nottingham Forest’s defeat by Brighton on Sunday was a little bit of a sickener for Sean Dyche, as a result of he had made such a very good begin there.
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His staff ought to be too streetwise for Wolves, although.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Felix’s prediction: It is arduous to see Wolves profitable a recreation in the mean time. 1-2
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Leeds lumped it within the second half towards Manchester Metropolis and it nearly obtained them some extent.
They have been fortunate to nonetheless be within the recreation at half-time however honest play to Daniel Farke for making the substitutes and altering the system, as a result of he has been accused of not being proactive sufficient throughout video games.
As energetic as Leeds have been, they nonetheless ended up empty-handed, nevertheless, and it means they really want one thing right here.
You understand they may give it a go however, once more, it will be arduous for them to get something out of a Chelsea aspect who’re in actually good type.
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There is perhaps a little bit of an edge to this one, as a result of going again to my time as a Chelsea participant there was at all times a rivalry right here.
I do not assume it is going to be as tough and tumble because it was when these groups met within the however I am going for a similar consequence, which is a Chelsea win.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-2
Felix’s prediction: I’m going to name a mad one right here for the sake of it. 1-0
AI’s prediction: 1-2
I obtained Liverpool unsuitable on the weekend as a result of I believed they might lose at West Ham.
As a substitute of Mo Salah, it was a case of ‘No Salah’ after he was disregarded for his or her 2-0 win. I did not thoughts seeing that, as a result of Salah is not any totally different from some other participant – if he’s not performing, you drop him.
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I used to be unsuitable about Sunderland too, however that will not shock anybody.
We’re on the stage the place I’m considering ought to I do Black Cats followers a favour by tipping them to lose once more right here, as a result of we all know what occurs once I try this – they win.
I truly assume they may give a very good account of themselves at Anfield and it will not shock me in any respect to see them going there and profitable – I actually imply that, too, as a result of we have all seen how succesful Regis le Bris’ aspect are.
I’m nonetheless going to go together with Liverpool although. I do not assume they are often as unhealthy as they have been of their final two dwelling video games, towards Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Felix’s prediction: When Sunderland got here to Craven Cottage final week they allow us to have quite a lot of the ball. It was like they have been considering they may sting us on the counter-attack however they nearly appeared like they have been going to get came upon. We had 20-odd probabilities, so I can not imagine Liverpool will not do the identical. 2-0
AI’s prediction: 3-1
Thursday, 4 December
Manchester United fought again to beat Crystal Palace on Sunday however they did not actually deserve it.
They’re nonetheless a basket case of a membership, and you may say the identical about West Ham.
How can I predict what Ruben Amorim’s aspect will do? No-one can. I can not get my head round them.
There isn’t any purpose to again them right here, or West Ham both. The Hammers pushed Liverpool shut on Sunday, however they didn’t actually threaten very a lot regardless of the Reds being so weak defensively in the mean time.
There positively will not be many targets on this recreation, however I already know I’m going to be unsuitable about it.
In truth, I want I did not must make a prediction right here, however I have been informed I’ve to.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Felix’s prediction: I’m going to say Nuno Espirito Santo will get some extent. 0-0
AI’s prediction: 2-2
How did Sutton do final time?
There was a three-way tie for victory on the weekend, however Chris was not concerned.
He obtained three appropriate outcomes with no precise scores from the ten video games in week 13, for a complete of 30 factors.
As a substitute, the win was shared between the BBC readers, AI and Chris’ visitor – rapper Kofi Stone.
All of them obtained 4 appropriate outcomes, with no precise scores, for a complete of 40 factors.