Sutton's predictions v singer Bradley Simpson

Liverpool travel to Manchester City on Sunday after drawing their past two away games, so could the Premier League leaders drop more points at Etihad Stadium?

"Arne Slot's side are having a little slip or two," said BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton.

"But I just look at Manchester City defensively and think how are they going to keep Liverpool out?"

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 26, he takes on singer Bradley Simpson, who is a Newcastle fan.

The Vamps' frontman releases his debut solo album, The Panic Years, on 28 February. His new single, Carpet Burn, is out now.

Do you agree with their scores? You can make your own below.

The most popular scoreline selected for each game is used in the scoreboards and tables at the bottom of this page.

A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.

Simpson is The Vamps' lead singer and also plays guitar in the band, who have had two number one albums, Night & Day (Night Edition) in 2017 and Cherry Blossom in 2020. He starts his UK solo tour in May

Simpson was born in Sutton Coldfield in the west midlands, but Newcastle were always the only club for him.

"I grew up in Birmingham but all my family are from Newcastle," he explained. "My dad is a golf coach and he got a job at The Belfry so they moved down there about six months before I was born.

"I would have loved to have grown up in Newcastle with a Geordie accent, so I still hold that against them!

"My dad actually played for Newcastle - he was a really good footballer when he was younger and played in their youth team for a bit, before he moved into golf - and he always held on to his ties to the club when he moved away.

"So, for me, growing up I was always a massive Newcastle fan because of him, but I was surrounded by Aston Villa and Blues [Birmingham City] supporters and I was always the odd one out.

"It was hard as well because I think it's nice to grow up in the city of whoever you support so you can go to games quite regularly, and we didn't really get that chance.

"My dad and I would always watch games where we could, but the first time I went up and watched a game at St James' Park was against Manchester City, about 15 years ago.

"We lost 3-1, so it feels like we've been losing to City for a long time - which is why last Saturday's defeat really stings!

"I just got sucked in even more from there, though, because St James' is such an amazing stadium that the city is built around, and the Newcastle fans are just a different breed.

"The atmosphere was incredible, even though we were losing - everyone was so up for it."

Chris Sutton and Bradley Simpson were speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

Friday, 21 February

• Leicester 0-4 Brentford

Leicester have not won at home in the Premier League since 3 December, when they beat West Ham in Ruud van Nistelrooy's first game in charge, and they have lost their past five league games at King Power Stadium.

So, it would be massive for the Foxes if they can get anything at all here to help in their relegation fight, but I just don't see them keeping Brentford out.

Van Nistelrooy had just been appointed but was watching in the stands when the Bees hammered Leicester 4-1 earlier in the season and I am expecting their creativity and attacking energy to be too much for his side this time, too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Bradley's prediction: I lived near Brentford's old ground for about three years, in a flat with Tristan Evans [The Vamps drummer]. We must have been about 50 metres away from Griffin Park and you could hear the games when they played. We managed to get to a few too, and I've got a real soft spot for the Bees even now. Ever since they got promoted they have been great, but especially this season. Their fans are always really good too.

Leicester really need something here, and there are a few games like that this week, where one of the teams have a lot to play for. We don't know how they will deal with that, but I am going with Brentford because they have got a special place in my heart.1-2

Saturday, 22 February

• Goodison Park, 12:30 GMT

Everton have moved above Manchester United in the table, and they go into this game as favourites - and rightly so.

The Toffees are without the injured Iliman Ndiaye, which is a big blow for them, but Beto's improvement under David Moyes has been incredible and they definitely carry a goal threat now.

I actually think this game will be quite tight, though. I didn't think United's performance in last weekend's defeat at Tottenham was as bad as a lot of people made out.

They had some very good early chances they should have taken and I have a feeling they will have some opportunities this time too.

This smells of a 1-1 draw to me, which is what I am going with. One of my pals is an Everton fan and every time I haven't backed them to win under Moyes and they got something, he loved it.

He will probably be quite happy that I am not backing them here, either, but it's important for United boss Ruben Amorim that they get something at Goodison Park, and the way his side end this campaign is massive for him too.

United are not getting relegated whatever happens, but Amorim needs a decent result or two to build some credit for next season.

If he overhauls his squad in the summer, he needs to hit the ground running - it will be seen as being more his team and he has to get a tune out of them.

If that doesn't happen, then there is going to be a pile on from people saying there has been no progress since he took over from Erik ten Hag.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Bradley's prediction: Everton are flying at the moment and Moyes has really turned things around for them. They are going to be really confident and have got all the momentum behind them, but I actually think this will be very close, and United will get something. I was torn between 2-2 and 1-2, but let's go for a United victory. 1-2

• Vitality Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Wolves ran Liverpool close at Anfield last weekend and Matheus Cunha showed his quality with his wonderful goal that gave them hope in that game.

That performance should give Vítor Pereira's struggling side real belief and I am expecting them to put up a fight here too, but I just can't back against Bournemouth.

The way the Cherries attack, with the amount of shots they get on target, makes them hard to stop and I can't see anything other than a home win.

Andoni Iraola's side are right in the mix for the Champions League places now, and that race is very interesting.

Liverpool and Arsenal will finish first or second but, after that, there are a few teams in with a chance, especially because fifth place could be enough this season.

I'm going for Manchester City to finish in my top five, along with Nottingham Forest. On current form, Bournemouth will make it too, which would be an incredible achievement.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Bradley's prediction: There is a huge gap between Wolves and the team immediately above them in the table, West Ham, and this is a big game for them if they are going to climb away from the bottom three. Bournemouth are a good side and are in much better form, so this might sound ridiculous, but I have landed with a draw here. 2-2

• Emirates Stadium, 15:00 GMT

Midfielder Mikel Merino is the main man for Arsenal up front now after two such important late goals against Leicester last week.

With Liverpool dropping points against Aston Villa on Wednesday, Arsenal have them in their sights and it will be really interesting to see how Gunners boss Mikel Arteta approaches this game.

If they beat West Ham, Liverpool's lead at the top is down to five points and the Hammers don't seem to be in the kind of form to stop them.

West Ham have not got going at all under new boss Graham Potter. Like Manchester United, they are not getting relegated, but their fans have not had much to smile about all season.

Arsenal won 5-2 at London Stadium in November, with all the goals coming in the first half. There won't be quite as many this time, but I still think Arsenal's intensity will see them end up convincing winners.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Bradley's prediction: I am enjoying watching Arsenal's academy players like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who are both really exciting. They have got injury problems up front but they still seem in really good form at the moment. 2-1

Bradley on the title race: It's between Arsenal and Liverpool now and I am hoping Arsenal can reel them back in a bit so it gets exciting. If Arsenal keep on winning then they are going to carry on closing the gap and really put the pressure on.

• Craven Cottage, 15:00 GMT

I find both these teams impossible to predict so, let's face it, anything could happen here.

Crystal Palace lost to Everton last week but actually played pretty well.

I talked about how Fulham have struggled at home recently but then they went and beat Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage.

My instinct tells me to go for a draw but I actually think Fulham will make it back-to-back home wins - so Palace will probably end up taking the points.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Bradley's prediction: Fulham have just had a couple of cracking results, beating us and then Forest. It is going to be close, because they are both in mid-table, but I have gone with Fulham to win. 2-1

• Portman Road, 15:00 GMT

Ipswich got a great battling point against Aston Villa last week but wins are what they need in their situation at the bottom of the table.

They beat Tottenham earlier in the season to get their first victory of the campaign and another one would be absolutely massive for them.

I really hope they do it - not for me, but for my daughter's teacher, Mr Fields who is a big Tractor Boys fan. But this game is big for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou too.

Having James Maddison back fit obviously helps Spurs, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also played really well against Manchester United on his return from injury too.

So, while my first thought was that Ipswich could get some joy from playing on the counter-attack, I am going with a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Bradley's prediction: One of my mates lives in the United States but he is a massive Spurs fan so I've been speaking to him about them. He was saying how they have been so up and down, so this is a big game for them to find a bit more consistency. Every game is like a cup final for Ipswich now, which makes it interesting, but Spurs are stronger than them, plus they are getting players back from injury all the time. 0-2

• St Mary's Stadium, 15:00 GMT

There does not seem much point talking about Southampton.

I must say it every week but I could not think of anything worse than being a Saints fan at the moment, and I really feel for them.

It is just sheer loyalty that is making them turn up for matches at the moment because they only get more misery when they do.

Brighton have been quite inconsistent this season - well, until their back-to-back wins over Chelsea last week anyway - and that has made them a tricky team to predict.

It is not hard to call this game, though - the Seagulls are going to win and all I have to decide is by how many.

The problem with playing a prediction game is that my guest and the BBC readers are clearly going to go with a Southampton defeat too. I don't think anyone out there will go with a Saints win, will they?

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Bradley's prediction: Brighton are the better team and, realistically, this is going Brighton's way. I don't think Southampton will just lie down though. 1-3

• Villa Park, 17:30 GMT

Chelsea's form has been pretty rotten recently and their manager, Enzo Maresca, also needs a strong finish to the season.

It doesn't help that Cole Palmer has lost his mojo, on top of their issues at centre-forward and in goal. Maresca really needs to make the Champions League places but nothing is clicking for his side at the moment.

Aston Villa are probably in better shape in terms of their performances, but their results have also not been great with four draws and a defeat in their past five league games.

They were great going forward against Liverpool on Wednesday but just cannot keep clean sheets - although Tyrone Mings' return to the team from injury is big for them at the back.

I had to think a bit about this one but I am going for my old club Villa to beat my old club Chelsea, and Maresca might start to come under a bit of pressure if this poor run carries on much longer.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Bradley's prediction: This will be a belter. I always like watching Villa anyway, but I really love their side at the moment.

They are like my midlands team, because I grew up with a load of pals who supported them and still go to the odd game with them too. There is a real buzz around Villa Park at the moment and I can understand why. I think Ollie Watkins is fantastic, so strong and in good form, and obviously they have brought in Marcus Rashford to play up front too.

With Chelsea it always feels like Cole Palmer can always pull it out of nowhere. He has been quiet recently, but I feel like you can never count them out. Maybe they will turn up here. 2-2

Sunday, 23 February

• St James' Park, 14:00 GMT

As the BBC's predictions expert I always try to go with my head and not my heart.

That's what I am doing with this game, which is big for both teams in the battle for the top four.

I'd love to say my boyhood club, Nottingham Forest, will respond to their defeat at Fulham, but this game is actually quite simple for me to predict because I am expecting Newcastle to bounce back from their woeful performance and result against Manchester City last weekend.

I just think there will be a big reaction from Alexander Isak, who was kept really quiet by City, and a real response from their whole team.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Bradley's prediction: The past couple of games in the league, we have not been great but I put that down to the focus that has been put on the Carabao Cup final.

We need to build that confidence back up before we go to Wembley, so this is an important game, and it helps we are back at home where we are usually so strong.

On the flip side, Chris Wood is in great form for Forest and coming back to Newcastle, so he will probably score - we just need to sit on him as much as we can. It all makes it a hard one to call and it is going to be a really tough game, but I am going to back us. 2-1

Bradley on the Carabao Cup final, against Liverpool on 16 March: It is going to be very tight. I don't want to tempt fate by saying we are going to win it, and I also think it depends a lot on how we do in the next couple of weeks. After Forest, we play Liverpool on the league on Wednesday and the same applies to their form and how the title race is going too.

We have played so well to get there, though, especially beating Arsenal in both legs of the semi-final, and hopefully we will take that confidence into the final. I am not making any predictions though!

• Etihad Stadium, 16:30 GMT

Manchester City basically waved the white flag at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night and, without Erling Haaland, lacked belief against Real Madrid from the off.

Let's be frank, it was a shambolic performance from Pep Guardiola's side, with a real lack of intensity.

Part of the pickle City found themselves in was down to the way Pep had set them up.

I don't know how many times Abdukodir Khusanov had played at right-back before, but it cannot be many, and the combination of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in central midfield alongside Nico Gonzalez just didn't work. They didn't have the legs to cope with Real.

It ended up being really disappointing as a contest. Real were always favourites but when City lose, you at least expect them to go down fighting.

Instead, it was over after less than five minutes. They never believed they could win and how many times have you said that about a Pep team?

Liverpool had a tricky time of it against Villa in midweek but they must think they can get at this City side too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Bradley's prediction: I don't know about this one - it is such a huge and exciting game. City have got something to prove against Liverpool and although they had a bad result against Real, they did not look short of confidence against Newcastle. Liverpool are consistent at the moment, in terms of not being beaten, but their form is not exactly phenomenal either.

Until a couple of weeks ago, I would have looked at the form Liverpool were in and thought it was all swinging in their favour, but City are much better now than when they lost at Anfield in December.

City are going to come out really, really strong, like they did against Newcastle, but if they sit back, I feel like Liverpool will get back into the game. I'm going for a draw. 2-2

How did Sutton do last week?

Chris got four correct results from the 10 Premier League games in week 25, with two exact scores, giving him a total of 100 points.

Using the most popular scoreline from their predictions for each game, the BBC readers also got four correct results, with one exact score, giving them 70 points.

The winner was Chris's guest, The Wombats drummer Dan Haggis. He got five correct results with two exact scores, giving him a total of 110 points.

There was also a midweek Premier League game, Wednesday's 2-2 draw between Aston Villa and Liverpool, which was brought forward from week 28 because Liverpool play in the Carabao Cup final that weekend.

Chris and the BBC readers both went for a 2-1 Liverpool win, so did not pick up any extra points. There was no guest prediction because the game had been brought forward.