So much for the “rise of the machines.” BBC Sport’s predictions regular Chris Sutton beat both an AI and the Football Manager 26 computer game last week to take top spot — his first weekly win since early September. This weekend he goes head-to-head with a human guest from another sport: Bath and England centre Ollie Lawrence, who is a Chelsea supporter. We also include the AI’s picks so you can compare and make your own predictions.
How the scoring works
– A correct result (win, draw or loss) scores 10 points.
– An exact scoreline scores 40 points.
About Ollie Lawrence
Lawrence, 26, returned from an Achilles injury in time for the new Premiership Rugby season and is in the England squad for the Autumn Internationals. He grew up playing football and cricket and spent time in the academies at Aston Villa and Birmingham City before committing to rugby at 16. He says he became a Chelsea fan as a child simply because he liked the blue kit.
Lawrence sees clear overlap between elite rugby and football coaching: protecting space, setting up counter-attacks, using the bench as “finishers” rather than mere substitutes, and even different vantage points — managers watching from the stands rather than the touchline can gain a fresh perspective. Sutton, who plays club cricket, admits his own rugby career was short-lived (a 72-0 school-team defeat put an end to it) but nevertheless enjoyed swapping views with a player who has experience in both sports.
Predictions and brief previews
Saturday, 8 November
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 12:30 GMT)
Preview: Tottenham have been inconsistent at home; United have shown improvement but can still be unreliable away. Sutton expects a draw; Ollie favours Spurs; the AI predicts a 2-2.
– Sutton: 1-1
– Ollie: 3-1 (Spurs)
– AI: 2-2
Everton vs Fulham (Hill Dickinson Stadium, 15:00)
Preview: Everton have created chances but lack a top-class finisher; Fulham stopped a losing run but form is hard to judge. Expect few goals and possibly a draw.
– Sutton: 1-1
– Ollie: 2-2
– AI: 1-1
West Ham vs Burnley
Preview: West Ham can be brilliant but are prone to dropping points; Burnley are a tougher, more organised side than a few years ago. Sutton leans to West Ham but warns they may struggle; Ollie sees a narrow home win.
– Sutton: 2-1
– Ollie: 1-0
– AI: 2-0
Sunderland vs Arsenal
Preview: Sunderland improved late against Everton, but Arsenal’s quality — especially defensively and from set pieces — should be decisive. Sutton expects another clean sheet for the Gunners.
– Sutton: 0-2
– Ollie: 0-3
– AI: 0-3
Chelsea vs Wolves
Preview: Chelsea’s rotation, Club World Cup involvement and injury absences have caused inconsistency, but Wolves have been poor. Ollie is optimistic for Chelsea and predicts a comfortable win.
– Sutton: 2-0
– Ollie: 3-0
– AI: 3-1
Sunday, 9 November
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
Preview: Villa had a strong run that ended at Anfield; Bournemouth are dangerous on the break and can score. Sutton expects a draw; Ollie backs Villa to edge it.
– Sutton: 1-1
– Ollie: 2-1
– AI: 2-0
Brentford vs Newcastle (Gtech Community Stadium, 14:00)
Preview: Newcastle’s away form is worrying and Brentford’s counter-attacking style could frustrate them — another game that smells like a draw.
– Sutton: 0-0
– Ollie: 1-1
– AI: 1-3
Brighton vs Crystal Palace (M23 derby)
Preview: A close local rivalry. Palace have European travel that could affect them; Sutton tips a draw while Ollie and the AI back Brighton.
– Sutton: 1-1
– Ollie: 1-2 (Brighton)
– AI: 1-2
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds
Preview: Forest are desperate for a first Premier League win under Sean Dyche and have momentum from a spirited display at Old Trafford; Leeds have struggled away. Sutton gives Forest the edge.
– Sutton: 2-0
– Ollie: 1-0 (Forest)
– AI: 2-1
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Preview: Big title markers in this fixture. Sutton backs City narrowly, expecting Haaland to score; Ollie thinks City will win too. Sutton says Arsenal look the team to beat this season, and believes Liverpool’s defensive frailties make it harder for them to mount a title challenge.
– Sutton: 2-1 (City)
– Ollie: 3-1 (City)
– AI: 2-2
How Sutton fared last week
Sutton finished week nine with eight correct results from ten matches, including two exact scores (Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth and Everton 1-1 Sunderland), giving him 140 points. He narrowly beat the BBC readers (130 points). The AI had a weaker week with six correct results and one exact score for 90 points. Football Manager 26 and Miles Jacobson were further back, their combined average counting towards guest totals.
Overall standings snapshot (after week 10)
– Chris Sutton: 770 points (four weekly wins)
– Guests (average): 640 points
– You (BBC readers): 910 points
– AI: 760 points
Final notes
Chris Sutton and Ollie Lawrence spoke to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan. The AI predictions were generated with Microsoft Copilot Chat by asking it to predict the weekend’s Premier League scores. Do you agree with their picks? Make your own predictions and see how they compare in the weekly scoreboards.