Premier League predictions: Chris Sutton v Joelah & Keke of Radio 1Xtra's Throwback Party
- Published
Everton boss Sean Dyche managed a famous win at Anfield when he was in charge of Burnley in 2021, but can he manage a repeat result in Saturday's Merseyside derby?
"I was at that game, when Burnley ended Liverpool's 68-game unbeaten run at home," BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton said. "They defended well that day, and I am expecting Everton to do the same, but it is still going to be hard for them to get anything from the game."
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.
His opponents for this weekend's fixtures are Joelah and Keke, the award winning presenters of 1Xtra's Throwback Party on BBC Sounds.
Their show is all about nostalgia where, each week, they revisit the best tracks from hip-hop, R&B, garage, dancehall and more from the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, all mixed by their DJ, Birmingham's DJ Silk. It's your weekly party, delivered to you in the Sounds app.
They recently had UK music legend Donae'o co-host the show and, as well as selecting the music, he told them about his incredible career as a multi-genre artist, across UK funky, drum and bass, hip-hop and more, as well as working with artists like Giggs.
Joelah and Keke took on Sutton towards the end of last season - with Keke stealing the show with eight correct results out of 10, including two exact scores, for a huge total of 140 points that earned her third place on the final guest scoreboard.
Liverpool fan Joelah only managed 70 points first time around but still drew with Chris. Even so, she is so keen to do better this time that she brought along some notes.
Manchester United supporter Keke has been doing her research too, however... so, will their preparation pay off?
"Let's be honest, Keke did well last time, and I did terribly... but I am excited to go again!" Joelah told BBC Sport.
"It's like we've never left!" added Keke. "I've been listening to a lot of podcasts so I am ready for this - we are going to find out if I can stay at the top."
Joelah hosted Lionesses Live for the Football Association when England won the Women's Euro in 2022, and enjoyed watching them from home at this summer's World Cup just as much, until the final anyway.
"I went out to watch the final, which I will never do again," she said. "I actually prefer to watch the really big matches like that at home because, if the result isn't positive, it is such a flat atmosphere wherever you are.
"If England lose, everyone is sulking, basically, and that's what it was like. I am still super proud of the team, though, because they smashed it by getting that far."
As well as cheering on England, Keke also loved seeing Jamaica's surprise progress to the knockout rounds after they made it out of a tough group containing France and Brazil.
"When Jamaica were playing, we were actually in the studio, all of us, and we couldn't concentrate on our show because they were about to get further than they've ever done before," she explained.
"Being a Brit, you always have different heritages, and I feel part Jamaican too. We always do well at the Olympics and athletics but to see us get that far in another sport, where we haven't had much success before, was special.
"It means so much because you know it is just going to open up different opportunities for people there, in a sport that hasn't had much financial support."
Chris Sutton, Joelah and Keke were speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
Premier League - week nine | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
When? | Result | Sutton | Joelah | Keke |
SATURDAY, 21 OCTOBER | ||||
Liverpool v Everton | 2-0 | 2-0 | 3-0 | 2-0 |
Bournemouth v Wolves | 1-2 | 0-1 | 1-1 | 0-1 |
Brentford v Burnley | 3-0 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 0-0 |
Man City v Brighton | 2-1 | 6-2 | 2-1 | 2-3 |
Newcastle v Crystal Palace | 4-0 | 2-0 | 2-1 | 1-2 |
Nott'm Forest v Luton | 2-2 | 2-1 | 3-0 | 2-0 |
Chelsea v Arsenal | 2-2 | 0-1 | 1-3 | 0-4 |
Sheff Utd v Man Utd | 1-2 | 0-2 | 2-1 | 1-1 |
SUNDAY, 22 OCTOBER | ||||
Aston Villa v West Ham | 4-1 | 2-1 | 3-2 | 3-2 |
MONDAY, 23 OCTOBER | ||||
Tottenham v Fulham | 2-0 | 3-1 | 3-0 | 3-0 |
A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.
SUTTON'S PREDICTIONS
All matches kick off at 15:00 BST unless otherwise stated.
SATURDAY, 21 OCTOBER
Liverpool 2-0 Everton
Everton's overall record against Liverpool is pretty wretched, with one win home or away since 2010, and I can't see much changing this time.
I don't think the Reds will run away with it but I've been very impressed by Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in their midfield, and they have got so many talented attackers. It just feels like they will be too strong for the Toffees.
Liverpool have beaten Everton by two goals at Anfield in each of the past two seasons, so I am going to go with that same scoreline. I would have gone with a goal for Everton but my daughter is telling me 2-0 again, so I am going to listen to her.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Joelah on Liverpool's prospects: I always feel that Liverpool can achieve great things - I love Jurgen Klopp, he's my guy, and we are just going to keep on pushing, really. We've got Szoboszlai in midfield now, who is really promising, and obviously we still have Mohamed Salah, so I still have faith that we can challenge for the title this season.
Joelah's prediction: Oh we are going to win this one, 100%. 3-0
Keke: Everton have been quite up and down haven't they?
Joelah: They never do well at Anfield either - you have to take all of this into consideration!
Keke's prediction: All right, all right.. chill out man! Don't worry, I am going to say Liverpool will win. 2-0
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
This is a big game for Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, with his predecessor Gary O'Neil coming back to his old club.
The Cherries are desperate to get their first win in the league under Iraola and it feels like it would be particularly damaging for him if they were to lose this one, because it is against O'Neil and Wolves.
O'Neil's sacking last summer was very harsh and he will be so determined to win this game. I think he will do it, too.
Sutton's prediction: 0-1
Joelah's prediction: Making predictions does make things more exciting - we are going to be following these games all weekend. Wolves are not good at finishing these days, but Bournemouth are still finding their feet. I am going to go for a draw. 1-1
Keke's prediction: You know what, I'm going with Wolves again like I did last time - my mum is from Wolverhampton, you see. They won last time I backed them, too. 0-1
Brentford 3-0 Burnley
Burnley's home record is awful, with five defeats out of five, so they need to pick something up on the road. I just don't see it happening though.
The Clarets always seem to look lively when they come forward but I worry about them defensively and Brentford are probably a bit more streetwise.
The Bees have gone six league games without a win but, despite their poor run of results, I don't think they are doing too much wrong. They came so close to beating Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out and, even with Ivan Toney still out injured, they still carry a decent attacking threat.
Brentford are also without a home win this season, which is a surprise because they were so good there last time. Generally speaking, they are finding things more difficult than they did in the previous two seasons, but I am backing them to take the points here.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Joelah's prediction: Brentford do miss Ivan Toney, who is not back until next year, but I still think they can take this one at home. 2-1
Keke's prediction: This might be a bit of a boring game. 0-0
Man City 2-1 Brighton
I am at this game for 5 Live and I am really looking forward to it.
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi is fearless, and Manchester City are clearly going to be on the front foot too, so I feel like this will be a great game to watch.
City are in danger of losing three league games on the spin for the first time since the spring of 2016 after their defeats by Wolves and Arsenal but Rodri will be back in their midfield after his suspension and I am expecting normal service to be resumed.
The thing with Brighton is that you are never sure how it is going to go for them. It is possible we could see something similar to their defeat at Aston Villa in September, when they played in their usual open way, and got thumped 6-1.
If I'm right, there will be goals, excitement, entertaining football and me on the co-commentary - what more could you ask for on a Saturday afternoon?
Sutton's prediction: 6-2
Keke's prediction: Oh, come on - it's got to be Brighton, all day! They have been doing really well and they are just one of those teams that I've seen progress each season, and you know they are dangerous. 2-3
Joelah's prediction: City have lost their past two games now, and this one won't be easy either - it never is against Brighton because they are such fierce competitors. I don't want City to win, so I hope I am wrong, but I think they will. 2-1
Newcastle 4-0 Crystal Palace
These two teams met three times last season and didn't score once between them - although VAR did rob Newcastle of a perfectly good goal in the league game at St James' Park.
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson would probably be happy with another stalemate this time too, but Newcastle have been playing well and I think they will find a way to win.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Joelah's prediction: I wasn't sure about this one. My heart is telling me Newcastle, but I don't know why. 2-1
Keke's prediction: Palace just seem do be doing ok in mid-table, whenever I look. 1-2
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Luton Town
I like what Luton are doing this season. I don't want to patronise them but they deserve some credit, because they are making a scrap of it.
The Hatters will probably feel they should have got something out of 10-man Tottenham before the international break, and lost very late to Burnley earlier in the same week, but they are always being competitive and carry a threat even when they finish up empty-handed.
I kind of feel like the same sort of thing will happen to them here, though.
Again, it's a game Luton will feel they can get something out of but Forest's home form is strong and they have got plenty of matchwinners in their squad.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Keke's prediction: I am going to go with Forest for this one. 2-0
Joelah's prediction: Same please, but with one more goal! 3-0
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal
I was a bit torn about this one. Arsenal have won on their past three visits to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea have just started to string a bit of form together and Raheem Sterling in particular is looking dangerous.
The question for Arsenal is can they go again and pick up another big win after beating Manchester City last time out?
The Gunners didn't beat the champions by playing with great fluency in the final third or by carrying a massive attacking threat, but it was the result that counted and they won the game 1-0.
I don't know exactly what Mikel Arteta's gameplan will be here but, if his side try to keep things tight again, I can see them nicking the points.
Sutton's prediction: 0-1
Keke's prediction: Arsenal beat City last time and I think they are going to win this one too. I am going to go big, too. 0-4
Joelah's prediction: I actually like Arsenal, but I'm not so keen on Chelsea, well apart from Raheem Sterling. I think Arsenal are going to win as well, but Chelsea might score. 1-3
Sheff Utd 1-2 Man Utd
I know I keep saying it, but I am not convinced by Manchester United or by their goalkeeper Andre Onana.
And boy did they need their late comeback to beat Brentford a couple of weeks ago because otherwise their manager Erik ten Hag would have been under the pump going into the international break.
Marcus Rashford's goal for England on Tuesday was important too - it has come at a good time for him after nine games without scoring for club and country and will give him confidence before the trip to Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United will be awkward and resolute but I think Ten Hag's side will edge it, and give themselves another lift before next weekend's Manchester derby.
Sutton's prediction: 0-2
Keke on Manchester United's prospects: How can I put this? United are having teething difficulties at the moment. We are tough to watch, especially because I've been watching the David Beckham documentary on Netflix. It is so, so good, but watching some of our golden era back makes you realise how much things have changed since those days. But they are my team through thick and thin so I am going to stick beside them!
Joelah: it's crazy that you support United and I support Liverpool. We really are not supposed to be sitting next to one another - it is unacceptable behaviour!
Keke's prediction: You said before how it's early days for Liverpool, and I think United have teething problems. We are well into the season now, though, and I am not sure things are going to get much better for us. I don't feel confident about this game, at all. 1-1
Joelah's prediction: I am going to back the Blades here! 2-1
SUNDAY, 22 OCTOBER
Aston Villa 4-1 West Ham
Both of these teams have made strong starts to the season and they both have lots of goals in them, so this is going to be close.
But Aston Villa have been particularly good at home, where they have scored 13 goals in three league games, and Ollie Watkins is flying at the moment - that's why I think they will squeak this.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Keke's prediction: I do like West Ham at the moment but I'm going to say Villa will edge it. 3-2
Joelah's prediction: Both these teams are doing well, and I'm going to go with that as well. 3-2
MONDAY, 23 OCTOBER
Tottenham v Fulham (20:00)
I should maybe be a bit worried about this game for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou because he has won two manager of the month awards now, and we all know what usually happens when someone wins one - they lose their next game!
Fulham have already knocked Spurs out of the Carabao Cup on penalties this season too, but that was at Craven Cottage and I am pretty confident that Spurs will win this one at home.
What I like about Spurs so far this season is that things have not always gone their way in games, but they have still found a way to win.
They did that against Luton last time out, missing a lot of early chances then going down to 10 men. I was thinking they were up against it, but they still got three points.
Spurs will still have bumps in the road this season, and I don't know how much longer their unbeaten start in the league will last, but I am not expecting it to end this weekend. They are playing with so much confidence and Fulham won't be able to keep them out.
Sutton's prediction: 3-1
Joelah's prediction: I'm going for an easy win for Tottenham. 3-0
Keke's prediction: I am going to go the same score because I don't think Fulham are going to score. Look, if it comes down to this last game and Jo and I are level than I am happy for us to be together on the scoreboard - it's the way it should be! 3-0
How did Sutton do last time?
In week eight, the last set of games before the international break, Chris got five correct results from 10 matches, including one exact score, for a total of 80 points.
That was enough to beat boxer Tommy Fury - who managed three correct results and one exact score to end up on 60 points - but not his rival in the ring last weekend, YouTuber KSI.
KSI and Sutton were level going into the final game, Arsenal's 1-0 victory Manchester City, but while Sutton backed a 2-1 Blues win, Gunners fan KSI went for for his team to triumph 2-0 to finish on 90 points and ensure the overall result was a draw.
Guest leaderboard 2023-24 | |
---|---|
Anthony Joshua | 150 |
Eddie Hearn | 130 |
Anish Kumar | 100 |
Chris Sutton | 94 (average after eight weeks) |
Fabian Edwards, KSI, Midas the Jagaban | 90 |
David Earl, Jazzie Zonzolo | 70 |
Tommy Fury, Joe from Nothing But Thieves | 60 |
Total scores after week eight | |
---|---|
Chris Sutton | 750 |
Guests | 720 |
Sutton v guests | |||
---|---|---|---|
P8 | W3 | D3 | L2 |
How did you get on?
You made a great start, correctly predicting the outcome of the first five games of the weekend... but things went downhill after that.
The next four matches ended in draws and you didn't see any of those coming, then the final game caught you out too.
Like Sutton, you backed City to win at Emirates Stadium - 46% of you went for an away win, and only 26% of you thought Arsenal would prevail.
You v Chris & the guests - week eight | |
---|---|
1. Guests | 6/10 |
=2. Chris | 5/10 |
=2. You | 5/10 |
*Win, draw, loss prediction based on highest % of vote for each match. KSI's score is used in these tables.
Total scores after week eight | |
---|---|
1. Chris | 48/80 |
2. You | 46/80 |
3. Guests | 45/80 |
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