Aston Villa have received 9 video games in a row in all competitions, however can they attain double figures by beating Manchester United on Sunday?
“Villa have gone behind in three of these video games and have not stored a clear sheet of their previous 4 matches,” stated BBC Sport soccer knowledgeable Chris Sutton.
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“However they’ve been so attacking and Morgan Rogers is completely flying. They only by no means appear to lie down.”
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League video games this season, in opposition to AI, BBC Sport readers and quite a lot of visitors.
For week 17, he takes on Zambian musician and rapper Sampa the Nice.
Sampa the Nice’s new single, Cannot Maintain Us, is out now and is included within the EAFC 26 online game.
Do you agree with their scores? You can also make your individual predictions under.
The most well-liked scoreline chosen for every recreation is used within the scoreboards and tables on the backside of this web page.
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An accurate end result (selecting a win, draw or defeat) is value 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
The Africa Cup of Nations begins on Sunday and Sampa is wanting ahead to seeing how Zambia, the 2012 winners, get on in Morocco.
“I’ve my fingers crossed as a result of I’m nonetheless holding on to that win that we had,” she advised BBC Sport. “It was simply so memorable.
“I do not know how we’re going to do that time, however I’m very excited, and really hopeful about our probabilities. We have simply had a restructure and appointed a brand new coach too [Moses Sichone] so I’m additionally hoping that may push us extra.
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“It’s not simply Zambia who I shall be looking for, although. I do not suppose folks understand how a lot of an Afcon fan I’m, and the way a lot rivalry I’ve with my buddies – particularly when their groups get knocked out!
“Afcon is large for us when it comes round and every part else type of shuts down whereas everybody simply focuses on the match.
“It’s such an thrilling time when the entire of Africa type of bands collectively as a continent to rejoice.”
Chris Sutton and Sampa the Nice 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’.
Premier League predictionsSaturday, 20 December
St James’ Park, 12:30 GMT
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Each groups received within the Carabao Cup in midweek, but it surely appears like Newcastle’s squad is being stretched extra in the mean time.
There’s a fear for Chelsea too, although, by way of
He’s clearly sad about one thing, and if there may be some kind of infighting happening, or if he feels he’s not being backed correctly, then that doesn’t bode effectively no matter what occurs on the pitch.
I actually do not suppose Maresca’s points are together with his crew’s performances. Chelsea are very principled in the way in which they play and they’re going to trigger Newcastle issues.
I’m nonetheless going to go together with Newcastle to win it, although.
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I normally again them at house anyway, however that is prediction is principally based mostly on Chelsea’s current document at St James’ Park, which is poor – they haven’t received something there since 2021.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: Each groups are fairly inconsistent – that is going to be shut. 2-2
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Each of those sides are and not using a win in seven league video games however Burnley’s issues are deeper as a result of they’ve misplaced each time throughout that run.
So, Clarets boss Scott Parker actually wants a optimistic end result in opposition to his former membership.
We’ve had callers on 6-0-6 suggesting his time is up, however I feel that’s harsh as a result of they’ve nonetheless been aggressive regardless of all these defeats.
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I at all times thought they’d wrestle this season after getting promoted and I’m certain their followers did too however, as I’ve stated many occasions already, as a result of Sunderland are doing so effectively, it means Burnley followers are asking: ‘Why cannot that be us?’
Bournemouth have been second after beating Nottingham Forest on 26 October, however are actually thirteenth after taking solely three factors in complete from these seven video games.
The Cherries’ 4-4 draw with Manchester United on Monday was a unprecedented recreation and proved once more what I already thought – that they’ve objectives in them.
I can see Burnley giving them a great recreation too, however that is the place Bournemouth get again to profitable methods.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: Bournemouth drew 4-4 final time? That’s loads of objectives! I’m going for them to get extra right here too… Burnley have had loads of losses! They are going to be motivated and I at all times suppose the underdog can shock folks, however not this time – Burnley are going to lose once more! 4-2
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Sunderland are an incredible crew, and profitable final week’s Put on-Tyne derby is simply the newest excessive for them in what has been an a superb season.
The Black Cats are on 26 factors after 16 video games, and have already overwhelmed Leicester’s complete from 38 video games final season – they have been relegated with 25 factors in 18th place.
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That is a unprecedented achievement. I do know they’re dropping a number of gamers to Afcon, however that might solely be a giant drawback in the event that they have been languishing close to the underside of the desk.
As a substitute this simply appears like a chance for the gamers coming in to attempt to keep their momentum. Regis le Bris and his crew shall be filled with confidence too, though this can be a difficult journey for them to the south coast.
Brighton are an actual Jekyll and Hyde facet in the mean time, however I at all times really feel they are going to do effectively at house – Aston Villa are the one crew to have overwhelmed them there this season.
I watched the Seagulls at Anfield final week. They brought about Liverpool some issues and may have scored at 0-0, however did not… and misplaced.
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This time? My intuition nonetheless tells me to go together with Brighton at Amex Stadium, however Sunderland are going to push them very shut.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: I am unable to decide a winner right here. 3-3
AI’s prediction: 2-0
This simply appears like it will likely be a routine win for Manchester Metropolis, who’ve received their previous six video games in all competitions and are constructing actual momentum.
West Ham, in distinction, are within the backside three and dealing with one heck of a scrap to remain within the Premier League.
It hardly helps the Hammers that every one the groups instantly above them picked up at the least some extent final weekend whereas they have been dropping at house to Aston Villa.
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I do suppose West Ham’s performances have improved beneath Nuno Espirito Santo, however they really want some factors to go together with that, and this isn’t a recreation the place I feel that’s notably doubtless.
I simply cannot look previous Metropolis for the win, as a result of I do not see West Ham maintaining them out.
What a objective Rayan Cherki scored in opposition to Brentford within the EFL Cup on Wednesday – I received a little bit of flak on the Monday Evening Membership, and on social media too, for agreeing with Pep Guardiola that he wants to chop out the rabonas and use his left foot as a substitute, however he is a big expertise and he has has kicked Metropolis on.
Metropolis have stored three clear sheets in a row within the Premier League too, which surprises me a bit – and makes me suppose they are going to concede right here, however it will nonetheless be a cushty afternoon for them.
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Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: I feel there shall be tears for West Ham. Metropolis are going to take this one. 4-3
AI’s prediction: 3-0
What a depressing Christmas social gathering the Wolves gamers will need to have had. They don’t seem to be staying up, not an opportunity.
They pushed Arsenal shut with their rearguard motion at Emirates Stadium final weekend, however nonetheless misplaced in the long run.
Rob Edwards wants one thing, something, to go his method after 5 defeats from 5 video games and possibly – simply possibly! – he’ll get a crumb of consolation on Saturday.
The rationale I say that’s as a result of Brentford’s away document is woeful, with seven defeats and only one win within the Premier League thus far.
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I nonetheless suppose the Bees would possibly nick it, however as a substitute I’m going for Wolves to get some extent and produce a tiny little bit of Christmas cheer to Molineux, though I’m not certain how lengthy it is going to final.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: Wolves have waited a very long time for a win however I really feel like they will take this one. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 17:30
It’s usually a great recreation when these two sides meet however, going into it this time, I suppose each units of supporters are not sure how their crew will carry out.
At Tottenham, poor Thomas Frank is having a troublesome time of it.
He was so livid after their defeat at Nottingham Forest that he stated it appears like there’s a hurricane inside him.
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I can perceive why he’s so offended, as a result of Spurs have been so limp and provided so little in that recreation.
Should you have a look at the place they’re within the desk, eleventh, then they’re doing all proper however it’s their performances which are missing one thing. They’ve by no means actually discovered any fluency beneath Frank.
They did win their previous two house video games and Frank can cling on to that however, the way in which Spurs followers are, they’re in all probability considering: ‘It was solely in opposition to Brentford and Slavia Prague.’
Successful this recreation could be much more of an announcement.
Although Mohamed Salah has left for Afcon, there are nonetheless questions over Liverpool too.
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Brighton had their moments final week and it was not fully comfy for Arne Slot’s facet, though I assumed Hugo Ekitike was glorious.
Liverpool might have one other drawback at right-back as a result of Joe Gomez got here off injured in that recreation. Dominik Szoboszlai has been their finest participant, in midfield, so if he has to fit again in there, it could be a little bit of a blow.
I actually do not belief Spurs to show up, however I do not suppose you’ll be able to totally belief Liverpool once more both, particularly away from house within the Premier League.
Due to all of that, I am unable to again both of them to win it.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
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Sampa the Nice’s prediction: Each groups are beneath a little bit of stress for a win. 1-3
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Hill Dickinson Stadium, 20:00
Arsenal received very fortunate with the way in which they beat Wolves final outing, however is that the mark of champions, that they will discover a approach to recover from the road?
The Gunners have been ugly at occasions this season however they nonetheless get the job finished and it may be an analogous story right here.
I am unable to see them dropping this recreation however they might want to discover a approach to win it, in opposition to an Everton facet who’ve received 4 of their previous six matches.
What would possibly assist Mikel Arteta out is that a lot of the Merseysiders’ finest gamers may be lacking for this one.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor and Jack Grealish are each damage doubts, whereas Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are at Afcon with Senegal.
That is a stinker for Everton boss David Moyes, as a result of Ndiaye particularly is so influential – and he’s in my fantasy soccer crew too.
To be with out all 4 of them could be a large blow. I’m not a medical knowledgeable however, if Dewsbury-Corridor or Grealish have harm their hamstrings in any method, which is what has been reported, then there is no such thing as a method they are going to be match for Saturday.
Due to that, I’m going for a slender Arsenal win to make it a ‘Feliz Navidad’ [‘Merry Christmas’ in Spanish] for Arteta, together with his crew high of the league.
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Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: Everton are going to shock folks. Arsenal solely simply beat Wolves, and this shall be shut too. 3-4
AI’s prediction: 1-2
If Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin had hit this run of type a bit of bit earlier, he would have been my vote for Sports activities Character of the Yr.
Calvert-Lewin has scored 4 objectives in 4 video games and his leap to attain in opposition to Brentford final week was unimaginable.
Honest play to Leeds boss Daniel Farke too. I’ve stated it earlier than, however I’m delighted for him.
He was written off a number of weeks in the past as not with the ability to handle within the Premier League and it felt as if some folks have been ready for him to be sacked. He has proved all of them incorrect.
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Leeds are at all times a handful at house and can relish the problem of getting one other good end result in opposition to Crystal Palace, however I can see this being a really shut contest.
Palace are the counter-attack kings and they’re particularly efficient away from house – they’ve received their previous three matches on the street and have one of the best away document within the Premier League this season with 5 wins, a draw and solely two defeats from eight video games thus far.
So, do I am going with the power of Leeds or again streetwise Palace?
I’m tempted to go together with Oliver Glasner’s facet to nick it however they’ve a Europa Convention League recreation to take care of on Thursday, which has stretched them prior to now.
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They will miss Ismaila Sarr, too, who has gone to Afcon with Senegal, so on that foundation I’m going for one more draw as a substitute.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: Leeds to edge this – nearly! 3-2
AI’s prediction: 1-1
Sunday, 21 December
Manchester United are nonetheless a little bit of an oddity however they’re entertaining, you’d give them that. They’ve scored eight objectives of their previous two video games.
United have some kind of hoodoo over Villa, who’ve solely overwhelmed them in considered one of their previous 26 Premier League conferences – Unai Emery’s first recreation in cost, in November 2022.
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I normally suppose that kind of historical past in a fixture holds loads of weight on the subject of making my predictions.
However Aston Villa have already overwhelmed Arsenal this month, so why cannot they beat United? I feel they will.
Additionally, for Villa to have received 9 video games in a row is simply unbelievable.
I’m a dreamer in life, as you’ll all know, and I would like Emery to make it 10 wins in a row. Nothing in opposition to United, however I’m going for one more Villa victory.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: Villa are favourites right here, every part is working for them in the mean time and they’re going to have plenty of confidence. 3-2
AI’s prediction: 2-2
Monday, 22 December
Fulham are one other crew who I normally fancy to win at house, however they’ve been depleted by Afcon call-ups.
Samuel Chukwueze has been a extremely good affect participant not too long ago however Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey have been the heartbeat of Marco Silva’s facet this season, and all three shall be missed.
As for Nottingham Forest, they’re on hearth with six wins in eight video games in all competitions. Perhaps ‘Dyche-ball’ goes beneath the radar a bit, as a result of they’re doing very effectively.
Bassey received the winner on this fixture final season however, as I discussed, he’s not right here and this can be a very completely different Forest facet too.
I can see this being a really tight affair. I used to be searching for a motive to say my boyhood crew Forest will win, however Harry Wilson will rating for Fulham and so they cannot preserve a clear sheet, so it has 1-1 written throughout it.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Sampa the Nice’s prediction: This can be a excessive stakes recreation – a win could be huge for each groups. I hope there are extra objectives right here, too! 3-2
AI’s prediction: 2-1
How did Sutton do final week?
Chris received 4 right outcomes with no precise scores from the ten matches in week 16, giving him 40 factors.
The BBC readers fared higher, with 5 right outcomes and no precise scores for a complete of fifty factors, whereas Chris’s visitor, England gaming star Daniel ‘Stingray’ Ray, additionally received 5 right outcomes however with one precise rating, for a tally of 80 factors.
However, for the second successive week, the weekly win went to AI. It received seven right outcomes, with two precise scores, ending with 130 factors.