Having received solely considered one of their previous six Premier League video games and drawn 2-2 at Tottenham after being 2-0 up, can second-placed Manchester Metropolis get again on observe at Liverpool on Sunday?
“I would not rule Metropolis out of something in the mean time” mentioned BBC Sport soccer knowledgeable Chris Sutton.
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“However the way in which they folded within the second half towards Tottenham was an actual fear.”
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League video games this season, towards AI, BBC Sport readers and a wide range of friends.
His visitor for week 25 is Gladiators star Apollo, actual identify Alex Grey, who helps Newcastle.
Earlier than changing into a Gladiator, the 6ft 6in Grey performed Premiership rugby for 3 groups and likewise American Soccer for NFL aspect Atlanta Falcons.
He’s a part of Channel 5’s Huge Sport Night time NFL protection and they’re dwell on Tremendous Bowl Sunday on 8 February from 22:30 GMT.
Do you agree with their scores? You may make your individual Premier League predictions beneath – and for the Tremendous Bowl too!
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The preferred scoreline chosen for every sport is used within the scoreboards and tables on the backside of this web page.
An accurate consequence (selecting a win, draw or defeat) is price 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
The NFL’s affect will be seen within the Premier League by the type of choreographed nook routines that are actually commonplace, and Apollo can perceive why Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has shared concepts with Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay.
Apollo informed BBC Sport: “Whereas soccer is kind of a free-flowing sport you do have these set-pieces and for those who want some inspiration of the right way to make issues occur then the NFL is an efficient place to take a look at, as a result of that is what they do all day each day – not simply on offence however on defence as properly.
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“What you’re at all times making an attempt to get within the NFL is mismatches, and that is precisely the identical in soccer for among the large guys coming in and making an attempt to place the ball at the back of the web with a header or no matter.
“The extent of element that goes into that within the NFL is unbelievable. I bear in mind my days there in coaching camp would begin with breakfast at 7.30am and a few days you would not go away the assembly rooms till 11pm.
“We had been solely on the sector for 2 hours max and within the gymnasium for one more hour, and the remaining can be conferences and evaluation.
“The scrutiny on each particular person is so excessive so I can see why different sports activities would have a look at that and attempt to implement it themselves to seek out some weak point within the opposition armour. Arteta will need to have been pondering it’s a manner to assist his workforce win video games.”
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Chris Sutton and Apollo – aka Alex Grey – had been talking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
The AI predictions had been generated utilizing Microsoft Copilot Chat – we merely requested the device to ‘predict this weekend’s Premier League scores.
Premier League predictionsFriday, 6 February
I’m at this sport and we’re attending to the stage the place it actually issues how the groups combating relegation do of their head-to-head-battles like this.
I feel the underside two, Wolves and Burnley are down, however you do not know what West Ham will do from right here.
There are indicators they could click on, so with Leeds and Nottingham Forest each on 26 factors, that is large for each of them.
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From a Leeds standpoint, their house type has carried them rather a lot this season.
They received walloped at Elland Street by Arsenal final weekend however they only should put that behind them for this sport as a result of, because the season has gone on, they’ve proved they are often aggressive.
Forest’s away type is definitely higher than their house type – they’ve picked up 14 factors on the street in comparison with 12 on the Metropolis Floor, in the identical variety of video games.
Sean Dyche’s aspect had been snug with 10 males within the draw towards Crystal Palace final trip and so they have received their previous two away video games, towards Brentford and the Hammers. Total, they’re unbeaten in 4 league video games, which is the longest they’ve gone with out shedding all season.
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As you possibly can see, I’ve appeared into all of the stats for you – however will my analysis assist me get my prediction proper? In all probability not.
That is going to be a really tight affair and Forest will not fear about having a lot possession, however scoring targets has been an even bigger downside for them as a result of they’ve missed Chris Wooden badly – solely Wolves have scored fewer than them.
Forest have introduced in 6ft 7in striker Lorenzo Lucca on mortgage from Napoli to attempt to fill the hole left by Wooden’s long-term knee harm however he has not been in nice type in Serie A this season.
So, after a substantial amount of thought, I’m going to again Leeds at house – though now I’ve mentioned that it’s going to most likely find yourself as a 1-1 draw.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Apollo’s prediction: Once I appeared on the fixtures I used to be serious about who within the Gladiators helps who. Two of the blokes, Large and Hammer, are large Forest followers so I’m going for a Leeds win right here. It ought to be an excellent sport although. 3-2
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Saturday, 7 February
Manchester United had been barely lucky to beat Fulham final trip. A draw would have been about proper.
Nonetheless, it was large for Benjamin Sesko to get their winner and I’ve received to say he put it away very properly, particularly as a result of he ought to have scored with a header earlier within the sport.
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Tottenham, in the meantime, produced an incredible comeback towards Manchester Metropolis. I’ve talked about how a lot I price Dominic Solanke and when he’s up for Spurs, they’re in a a lot better place as a workforce.
There’s a hazard of getting carried away with United underneath Michael Carrick, and I’m anticipating Solanke to attain once more right here, however it nonetheless appears like United will discover a approach to win it.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Apollo’s prediction: Tottenham have an affinity with the NFL and I have been to a few video games there so I’m backing them right here. 0-1
AI’s prediction: 2-2
Dropping back-to-back house league video games towards Everton and Brentford has been an actual killer for Aston Villa, who’ve so many accidents to cope with of their midfield.
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After a protracted anticipate a win, Bournemouth have now received three of their previous 4 league video games – and I make them favourites at house right here.
Villa thumped the Cherries 4-0 at Villa Park in November, and I’ve received a number of their gamers in my Fantasy workforce, however that is going to be a really completely different sport.
I’ve gone for 2-1 wins in my first two video games and I do not actually need to go for that scoreline once more right here, however I really feel like I’ve no selection. I do suppose Villa will rating – Morgan Rogers is at all times harmful and Tammy Abraham is a intelligent signing up entrance – however Bournemouth will edge it.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
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Apollo’s prediction: It is nice for Villa to be in a title race. 1-2
AI’s prediction: 1-2
I’m not going to say 2-1 for this one. As an alternative will probably be one other Arsenal clear sheet – they’ve already stored 12 of their first 24 league video games, two greater than every other workforce.
It is a disgrace Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka shouldn’t be match to face his previous membership on the Emirates. When he performed for the Black Cats towards Arsenal of their draw on the Stadium of Gentle, they had been the primary workforce I noticed who actually rattled the Gunners.
Xhaka’s expertise has helped to attach collectively a Sunderland aspect with a number of younger gamers this season, however they coped all proper with out him towards Burnley on Monday.
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It is a a lot more durable sport for them, clearly, and Sunderland’s away type is nowhere close to as sturdy as it’s at house.
Arsenal swept Leeds apart 4-0 final weekend, when everybody thought they had been having a little bit of a blip.
They confirmed their power in depth at Elland Street, once they misplaced Bukayo Saka within the warm-up, and I can see them successful comfortably this time too.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Apollo’s prediction: That is very straightforward for me as a result of Legend and Fireplace each assist Arsenal and are actual die-hard followers – Legend even has a cannon tattoo – so being completely sincere I’d love Sunderland to win, and do it for the north-east! 0-2
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AI’s prediction: 4-0
I feel Burnley are down however that is their likelihood to show me improper.
They want it to be – they’re at house, towards a workforce one place above them within the desk, so that is their large likelihood to finish their lengthy anticipate a win.
I simply do not see it occurring for the Clarets, although.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m not positive which West Ham aspect will flip up however they’ve proven some enchancment just lately, particularly in assault.
I do not suppose the Hammers will hold a clear sheet as a result of they’ve had just one all season – the fewest by any top-flight workforce – however I do not see Burnley beating them.
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Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Apollo’s prediction: My cousins are lifelong Burnley followers and season-ticket holders so if I did not again them right here, I would be in a number of hassle. The previous NFL participant, JJ Watt, is a co-owner of the membership too, so for the NFL hyperlinks and household ties, it is received to be a house win. 2-1
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Everton requested about Fulham ahead Harry Wilson on deadline day.
He has been a revelation this season and so they will not be trying ahead to dealing with him on Saturday.
The Toffees have gotten one thing after falling behind of their previous three league video games, together with the last-gasp equaliser towards Brighton that noticed poor David Moyes booked for his celebration – there isn’t any manner it’s best to get a yellow card for that.
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That is going to be one other shut sport and it smells of one other 2-1 to me, however I’m not going to go down that street once more this week.
As an alternative, I am going for a special scoreline however sticking with a slim Fulham win. Marco Silva will really feel his aspect deserved one thing from Previous Trafford and will probably be him celebrating on the closing whistle this week, not Moyes.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Apollo’s prediction: We do not like attracts within the NFL however this would possibly up all-square. 1-1
AI’s prediction: 1-1
Chelsea had been accused of being too unfavorable of their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal in midweek, however I am unable to see that being the case right here.
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I used to be far too optimistic about Wolves final week once I mentioned they’d draw with Bournemouth and I’m not making the identical mistake this time.
The video games have been coming thick and quick for Chelsea and I truly admire their supervisor Liam Rosenior for the way in which he modified issues up of their 3-2 comeback win over West Ham after being 2-0 down.
Wolves boss Rob Edwards has most likely received one eye on getting ready for subsequent season within the Championship, and his aspect might be one step nearer to that after this sport.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Apollo’s prediction: I went to a few Chelsea video games once I lived in London and they’ll get the job carried out right here. 1-2
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AI’s prediction: 1-2
You simply marvel how a lot Newcastle have gotten left within the tank after their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat at Manchester Metropolis on Wednesday.
The Magpies have just a few accidents to cope with too, with Anthony Gordon the newest participant to be sidelined, in order that they must dig deep and hope Bruno Guimaraes is again slot in time for this sport.
Brentford received one heck of a win final trip at Villa, and their supervisor Keith Andrews deserves a number of credit score for getting that consequence regardless of being all the way down to 10 males for your entire second half.
The Bees are at all times so properly organised on the again, and the way Eddie Howe’s aspect attempt to break them down would be the key to this one.
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Pretty much as good as Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade is together with his again to aim, he would not run in behind.
Doing that, and attacking with tempo, is how Eddie Howe’s aspect look essentially the most harmful – Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga must try this right here, and I fancy Yoane Wissa to attain towards his former membership.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Apollo on why he helps Newcastle: I’m from a small city in County Durham – my grandmother went to highschool with Sir Bobby Robson – so I had the selection of Newcastle, Sunderland or Middlesbrough. I do know it’s absolute blasphemy to say this, however I prefer to see all of the north-east golf equipment do properly.
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Newcastle are my workforce although, as a result of that is who I went to observe first – I went to see them towards Ipswich in 2000, and Alan Shearer scored a pair – and it’s my metropolis as properly. I performed rugby for them and I lived there. It is a unbelievable place and it is even higher when the workforce goes properly.
Apollo’s prediction: That is going to be a Newcastle win, it is only a case of how a lot. Brentford’s efficiency coach Ben Ryan used to teach me for England Sevens, then he went to Fiji and received a gold medal on the 2016 Olympics, so it might be good to get one over him as properly. 3-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Sunday, 8 February
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Palace have introduced in Jorgen Strand Larsen, and stored Jean-Philippe Mateta, so Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has received some choices up entrance.
I usually predict a draw on this sport, and it ended up 0-0 at Selhurst Park in November. This time, although, I fancy Brighton.
The Seagulls did not fairly recover from the road towards Everton, however them conceding late on truly received me some factors. I’m going for them to maintain a clear sheet right here although.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Apollo’s prediction: Palace to edge it. 0-1
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Will probably be fascinating to see if Manchester Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola begins with Omar Marmoush up entrance forward of Erling Haaland after his two targets towards Newcastle in midweek, however their assault seems to be sturdy anyway with Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo within the workforce.
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The identical applies to Liverpool, who have gotten a striker in type in Hugo Ekitike, whereas Florian Wirtz is taking part in with confidence too.
Metropolis may have moments the place they’ll create possibilities, however Liverpool are going to have alternatives on the different finish as properly – there might be just a few targets on this sport.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-2
Apollo’s prediction: That is the ‘Tremendous Bowl’ sport of the weekend within the Premier League so I’ve gone for an NFL-type rating in addition to a soccer one. 22-31 (2-3)
AI’s prediction: 2-2
And what in regards to the Tremendous Bowl?
Tremendous Bowl, Levi’s Stadium 23:30 GMT
I have not received a clue in regards to the NFL and I by no means performed gridiron – my nostril can be too large and would stick out of the helmet – however I’m going for the Seahawks to down the Patriots on Sunday.
Seattle is a very nice place and I performed of their stadium for Celtic, in order that they get my backing right here… though that is most likely dangerous information for them, going by how I’ve carried out at predictions this season.
Sutton’s prediction: 28-10
Apollo’s prediction: The Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, Aden Durde, was a part of the NFL’s Worldwide Participant Pathway Program that took me to Atlanta. If he will get a Tremendous Bowl, it might be the most important accomplishment from somebody from Britain within the NFL. 21-18
AI’s prediction: 23-27
How did Sutton do final week?
For the second successive week, the end result went to the ultimate sport.
Chris, the BBC readers and AI had been all stage on 80 factors going into Monday’s match between Sunderland and Burnley, together with his visitor – boxer Francesca Hennessy – on 40 factors.
Chris and Francesca went for a 1-0 Black Cats victory, the BBC readers thought they’d win 2-0, whereas AI picked a 1-1 draw.
Sunderland had been 2-0 up after 32 minutes however the BBC readers’ hopes of an outright win had been scuppered when Chemsdine Talbi scored their third aim, 18 minutes from time.
That meant Chris and the BBC readers tied for victory – they each managed six right outcomes, together with one actual rating, from the ten matches in week 24, for a complete of 90 factors.
AI managed 5 right outcomes with one right rating for a tally of 80 factors, whereas Francesca additionally managed 5 right outcomes however with no actual scores, leaving her on 50 factors.