Will the beginning of 2026 see a change of fortune for BBC Sport soccer professional Chris Sutton, whose title hopes are fading quick?
After Sutton made a robust begin to the season, AI has taken cost of the predictions title race, clinching one other win final week.
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“It has been a nasty begin to the brand new yr for me, with AI high of the desk,” Sutton stated.
“I additionally misplaced to my daugher Sophia at playing cards over Christmas. We performed rummy and I feel she was dishonest – rather a lot like AI, she was undoubtedly getting some assist from someplace.”
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 friends.
For week 20, he takes on singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin, who’s a Newcastle fan.
Cushin’s second album, Love Is For Everybody, was launched final yr and reached the highest 40. He has toured arenas in Europe and america with Louis Tomlinson and in addition performed a sold-out hometown gig at Newcastle’s Metropolis Corridor in October 2025.
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Do you agree with their scores? You may make your personal predictions beneath.
The most well-liked scoreline chosen for every recreation is used within the scoreboards and tables on the backside of this web page.
An accurate consequence (selecting a win, draw or defeat) is value 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
Alan Shearer was certainly one of Cushin’s first heroes, however his idol as a child was a Toon participant who stopped objectives, reasonably than scored them.
“I first went to St James’ after I was very younger, however my first correct reminiscence was in opposition to Stoke in 2008,” he defined. “We have been 2-0 up at half-time, and I keep in mind being on the concourse at half-time and pondering how nice it was to be a Newcastle supporter.
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“That did not final lengthy – we ended up throwing the sport away, conceding a few late objectives and drawing 2-2 – but it surely was watching Shay Given pull off some large saves that day which made me wish to be a keeper.
“Everybody else seemed the identical, carrying the identical shirts, and it was simply that one participant, the goalkeeper, standing out. You’re the final line of defence and you may be the hero, and I at all times preferred that gamble – if it went flawed it was my fault, or I may very well be the rationale why we get the factors.
“I used to be fairly eager on that, after which I suppose that transitioned into me being a musician, the place it’s my title on the poster. I assume I’ve at all times preferred the eye!”
Cushin’s profession between the sticks noticed him play within the youth crew for non-league Newcastle Benfield, however he has needed to grasp up his gloves to deal with enjoying the guitar.
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“It was a tragic day after I needed to cease enjoying, but it surely got here after I would spent a while within the studio with Noel Gallagher, and I realised I could not afford to hold on as a keeper and threat breaking my fingers,” he added.
“So I at all times say it was Shay who impressed me to place the gloves on, and Noel who instructed me to take them off once more!”
Chris Sutton and Andrew Cushin 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, 3 January
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Nottingham Forest didn’t have an excellent Christmas, shedding three video games in a row.
Sean Dyche’s facet had loads of possession in opposition to Everton on Tuesday however didn’t create many probabilities, and have been picked off. That was a little bit of a shock, due to the Toffees’ lack of firepower.
Forest are fortunate West Ham have been so dangerous, as a result of that’s the solely cause they nonetheless have a little bit of respiration area above the underside three.
They journey to play the Hammers on Tuesday, so they could prioritise that recreation and relaxation gamers right here – it’s that point of yr the place each squad is stretched.
This recreation is extra about how Aston Villa reply to their defeat at Arsenal, as a result of they took a little bit of a pasting.
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I do not assume this might be simple for Villa, however I’m anticipating them to bounce again and win a good recreation.
I’ve seen that AI goes for a 2-1 scoreline more often than not and I will not be doing that for each recreation this week, however I do assume that is how this one will find yourself.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Andrew’s prediction: I do not assume Villa will fall away after shedding to Arsenal. It is unhappy to see the demise of Forest, who haven’t been the identical facet this season, and I can see Villa steamrollering them right here. 3-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
I hold backing Brighton to win and hold a clear sheet, which is a part of the rationale my predictions have been going so badly – they’re on a six-game winless run.
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Burnley’s watch for a victory has gone on rather a lot longer, and so they have taken solely two factors from their previous 10 video games.
I hold saying the Clarets have been aggressive, however that’s not going to maintain them up. Their factors tally is what issues, and which means they’re bang in hassle.
Regardless of their poor run, I nonetheless see the Seagulls as with the ability to trigger anybody issues.
They pushed Arsenal shut final week and I at all times assume they’ve a purpose in them however, extra importantly by way of how this recreation may go, they’re often fairly dependable at house.
Villa are the one crew to have received on the Amex Stadium this season, and I do not see Scott Parker’s facet getting something in any respect on the south coast.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Andrew’s prediction: Burnley gave us a very good recreation the opposite night time and this might be shut too, however Brighton could have a bit of bit an excessive amount of for them. I like Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh – he is an excellent participant, and I want we had by no means let him depart. 1-0
AI’s prediction: 3-0
Wolves’ efficiency of their draw with Manchester United underlined what I already thought.
Sure, they’ve misplaced a few key gamers in Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, however they’ve nonetheless acquired sufficient of their squad to have finished much better than they’ve finished this season.
It is a huge week for West Ham, with their relegation rivals Nottingham Forest up subsequent after this recreation.
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The Hammers are trying fairly determined however their current away document truly shouldn’t be too dangerous – they have been nicely overwhelmed at Manchester Metropolis however, earlier than then, they drew three in a row at Bournemouth, Manchester United and Brighton.
They most likely really feel beneath much less stress when they’re on the street, however I’m nonetheless reluctant to again them to win anyplace in the intervening time.
I really feel the identical method about Wolves, who’ve now gone half the season with out a victory. Let’s name this one a draw.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Andrew’s prediction: Wolves absolutely cannot go the entire season with out profitable a recreation – a win has acquired to come back from someplace. With West Ham struggling too, Wolves will most likely fancy this a bit, but it surely’s a must-win recreation for the Hammers too. 0-1
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AI’s prediction: 1-1
I coated Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Tuesday, and the Cherries actually impressed me.
Andoni Iraola’s facet have gone 10 video games with out a win, however they’ve drawn 4 of their previous 5 matches and so they carried an actual menace in opposition to the Blues.
Their objectives got here from a few lengthy throws however they did look harmful in open play and, with the best way Iraola performs, this isn’t going to be simple for Arsenal.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will know that already after Bournemouth did the double over his facet final season, however he and his gamers have to be filled with confidence after the best way they despatched Villa final day out.
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To beat Villa was an enormous consequence and to supply that efficiency to go together with it was Arsenal actually flexing their muscle tissues.
It stated to everybody ‘we’re the crew to beat’ and you need to assume they may again it up by beating Bournemouth as nicely.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Andrew’s prediction: Arsenal ended 2025 rather well with that win over Villa and the stress is off them a bit of bit after Metropolis dropped factors in opposition to Sunderland.
I truly assume it is extra harmful for them that they’ve a little bit of respiration area now, reasonably than pondering they need to win each week, as a result of that’s when errors may occur – however, the shape Bournemouth are in, I am unable to see them stopping Arsenal. 1-3
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AI’s prediction: 1-3
Sunday, 4 January
I’m loving Daniel Farke’s Leeds United increasingly more, each passing week. They confirmed unbelievable guts to go to Anfield on Thursday and get some extent, and so they nearly took all three.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will begin this recreation after being rested till the final 20 minutes in opposition to Liverpool, and he may cause Manchester United all kinds of issues.
Seeing Calvert-Lewin begin among the many substitutes raised just a few eyebrows due to the run of scoring he’s on, however that’s the problem managers have presently of yr, when video games come thick and quick.
I do know I am going in opposition to Manchester United rather a lot with my predictions, however I’m nonetheless ready for them to show me flawed.
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They’ve finished all proper not too long ago, however nothing extra. They’ve solely misplaced two of their previous 13 video games, which is respectable, however they’ve drawn 5 instances in that run and, after I watch them, they’re simply not very thrilling.
The truth is, they’re boring. Their followers used to sing ‘glory glory Man United’ however now they’re extra prone to sing ‘boring boring Man United’, after I anticipated a bit extra from them this season.
You definitely would not accuse Leeds United of being boring in the intervening time.
Perhaps the best way they may come at Manchester United will go well with the guests, however Ruben Amorim’s facet appear to lack management when Bruno Fernandes is lacking, and I’m going to again Leeds United as a substitute.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Andrew’s prediction: I’m going to go for a little bit of an upset right here. There’s clearly a giant rivalry between the 2 groups so Elland Street might be bouncing, and Leeds have been actually good not too long ago. 1-0
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Hill Dickinson Stadium, 15:00
Everton have had an ideal season up to now. Beating Forest was an necessary consequence for them, as a result of the six groups instantly above all of them dropped factors.
They’re now in eighth place and, with one other house league recreation in opposition to Wolves to come back after this one, their followers have to be pondering this week is an actual alternative to climb greater.
It will not be simple in opposition to Brentford, nonetheless. Keith Andrews’ facet took seven factors out of a potential 9 over Christmas, and are additionally within the high half of the desk.
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I truly assume the Bees are a greater crew when Jordan Henderson is not enjoying – Andrews left him out of their wins over Bournemouth and Wolves and so they appear to have a bit extra power with out him within the crew.
Whether or not Henderson performs or not, I simply can’t see plenty of objectives right here – one will most likely be sufficient to win it.
Brentford are very efficient on the counter-attack and are definitely able to getting a consequence, however I’m going to again Everton to edge it.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Andrew’s prediction: That is your 1-1 draw of the week, is not it? I used to be speaking about these video games with my mates and with this one they’re eighth and ninth within the desk, solely some extent aside. There might be little or no to separate them on the pitch, both. 1-1
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AI’s prediction: 1-1
Fulham did rather well over Christmas, particularly when you think about they’ve misplaced key gamers to the African Cup of Nations.
Liverpool have to be massively dissatisfied with their show and consequence in opposition to Leeds, after the upturn of their performances prior to now couple of weeks.
Like plenty of groups, Arne Slot’s facet are possibly wanting power at such a busy time of yr, and are missing the spark they want.
They misplaced right here final season, and Fulham will fancy a repeat consequence. I am undecided about that, however I do assume Marco Silva’s facet will get one thing from the sport.
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Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Andrew’s prediction: This needs to be an ideal recreation. Fulham are in good type and they’ll have an actual go at Liverpool. 2-2
AI’s prediction: 0-2
Crystal Palace are one other crew I have been flawed about rather a lot not too long ago – they’re on a dismal run, with just one level from their previous 4 video games.
I ought to have thought of it extra after I was making my predictions as a result of they’re badly lacking the firepower of Ismaila Sarr, who’s away at Afcon with Senegal.
Brennan Johnson will add some recent legs to the Eagles assault, however I truly assume Newcastle will run away with this one.
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I at all times fancy Newcastle at house to attain and in addition to run over groups, however this season they’ve generally struggled to place video games to mattress.
I’m backing them to do all the above this time, nonetheless. Eddie Howe’s facet smashed Palace 5-0 final season, and this needs to be one other convincing win.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-0
Andrew’s prediction: Palace are a tough crew, however with it being at St James’ Park I do not see us getting turned over there. We have been respectable at house however then we have now additionally thrown away plenty of factors from profitable positions, so I’m hoping we see it out this time.
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Joelinton being again may make the distinction there as a result of he’s such a presence in midfield – I stated it just a few weeks in the past when he acquired injured that I assumed we might misplaced our nastiness when he wasn’t within the crew. We want a run of ends in 2026 to rise up the desk so hopefully that begins right here. 2-0
AI’s prediction: 2-0
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 15:00
I am undecided if Sunderland could have something left within the tank after their efforts in opposition to Manchester Metropolis on Thursday.
It was one other instance of why they’ve finished so nicely – they defended brilliantly, however they have been harmful after they acquired the ball and so they may have overwhelmed Metropolis too.
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Thoughts you, Tottenham are so drab in the intervening time that it most likely will not matter an excessive amount of if the Black Cats are low on power.
Sunderland are at all times so nicely organised on the again, whereas I do not assume Spurs, in an attacking sense, have actually clicked this season.
Tottenham might be exhausted as nicely, so I do not see many objectives on this one – in actual fact, I do not see any in any respect.
A goalless draw is unlikely to cheer the Spurs supporters up a lot, both.
I do know they love getting indignant, however they’re a fanbase who do not truly appear to know what they need – is it a supervisor who delivers engaging attacking soccer, or somebody who can arrange a crew to maintain a clear sheet each week?
Sutton’s prediction: 0-0
Andrew’s prediction: I assumed there can be a drop-off from Sunderland after they misplaced so many gamers to the Africa Cup of Nations, however that hasn’t occurred – they put in an ideal efficiency in opposition to Metropolis. I do not assume they get a win right here, however I do not assume they lose both – they have a behavior of not getting overwhelmed this season, which is irritating!
Tottenham have been actually flat in opposition to Brentford so they could reply a bit right here, however I nonetheless see this ending up as one other draw. 1-1
AI’s prediction: 3-1
Chelsea have been actually not that dangerous beneath Enzo Maresca – fifth within the Premier League, into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and nonetheless nicely positioned within the Champions League.
His departure was clearly all the way down to a breakdown of his relationship with the membership’s hierarchy, reasonably than outcomes.
Maresca didn’t really feel he had the management he wished, and I get why he was sad. As Pat Nevin possibly Chelsea want a puppet as their subsequent supervisor, who will do as he’s instructed.
I actually preferred Maresca. I do know some Chelsea followers discovered his fashion of play final season boring, and a bit predictable, however they ended up within the high 4 final yr and naturally they turned world champions as nicely.
Their performances within the large video games this season have been fairly good, too, however this time, in addition to being with out Maresca, they’re additionally lacking Moises Caicedo – who’s suspended after his reserving in opposition to Bournemouth. He might be a giant, large loss.
Chelsea have gotten sufficient different expertise to nonetheless go and get a consequence at Etihad Stadium, however I do not assume they may.
I’m anticipating Metropolis to seek out their capturing boots once more after they have been shut out by Sunderland, particularly if they have somebody with an extended throw.
Chelsea couldn’t cope with Antoine Semenyo’s deliveries in any respect after they performed Bournemouth on the weekend, and it is potential Semenyo may be part of Metropolis in time to face them once more.
So much has been made from how younger Chelsea’s defence is, however that is not truly the case.
If you look by means of their crew, they aren’t inexperienced. They might want to do much better in opposition to a Metropolis that may very well be too sharp and streetwise for them, however their age shouldn’t be an excuse.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Andrew’s prediction: Metropolis will wish to put issues proper after being held by Sunderland. They may need to be affected person right here, and I can see it being 1-1 after half an hour… however they may win ultimately. 3-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
How did Sutton do final time?
There have been just a few shock ends in week 19, which took within the ultimate video games of 2025 on Tuesday, 30 December and the primary matches of 2026 on New 12 months’s Day.
Chris and his visitor, singer-songwriter and Sunderland fan Tom A Smith, each acquired three appropriate outcomes with no precise scores for a complete of 30 factors – though Smith was proper about one of many ‘shocks’ when he backed the Black Cats to carry Manchester Metropolis.
The BBC readers solely managed two appropriate outcomes however they did get one precise rating – Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with Fulham – giving them 50 factors.
It was AI who took the weekly win because of 4 appropriate outcomes and two precise scores, which noticed it find yourself with 100 factors.