Premier League predictions: Chris Sutton takes on editor-bassist and Aston Villa fan Russell Leetch for this weekend’s games

` Sport football pundit Chris Sutton is scoring points for every high-profile game this season against a multitude of guests.

He’s competing for this weekend’s games Editors bassist Russell Leetch.

The publishers’ new album, EBM, is out next week. They start a UK tour in January.

Formed in Birmingham in 2002, Editors have had two platinum-selling albums and a Mercury Prize nomination

Leetch is a lifelong Aston Villa fan through his godmother and attended his first game more than 30 years ago.

“My parents didn’t like football,” he told ` Sport. “So she was the one who said, ‘You have to support Villa’.

“Every present I got from her for Christmas or birthdays had something to do with Villa – it also worked because I was obsessed with them, even though all my friends were Manchester United fans rather than supporting their local side.

“That’s really how it started. My first game was in 1991 and since then it’s been a real journey with Villa – from title contenders to relegation and then back to the Premier League.

“When we were promoted in 2019 I was there for the Championship play-off final at Wembley which was such a highlight.

“I really loved being in the Championship – I attended a lot of games when we were down there and it was nice to see us win a lot of them for a change because we were pretty bad and close some years above the Premier League relegation zone.

“It’s obviously great to be back in the Premier League but there are still so many ups and downs. We had the upswing under Steven Gerrard when he took charge last season and then suddenly everyone was talking about us fighting for the top 6 but that doesn’t work – unfortunately!

“This season wasn’t easy. It feels like we bought a lot of players who might not be exactly what we need on the pitch, and things like the Tyrone Mings saga – when Gerrard took the captaincy from him – didn’t help the mood either.

“It will be very interesting to see what happens over the next few weeks. It feels like the fans have turned against Gerrard a bit so he needs more results and performances like the ones we saw against Manchester City last time. “

	result	sutton	russell
FRIDAY
Aston Villa vs Southampton	xx	2-1	2-1
Nott’m Forest vs Fulham	xx	0-2	1-1
SATURDAY
Wolves vs Manchester City	xx	1-3	0-3
Brighton vs Crystal Palace	pp	pp	pp
Newcastle versus Bournemouth	xx	4-0	3-0
Tottenham vs Leicester	xx	4-1	2-0
SUNDAY
Brentford vs Arsenal	xx	1-1	2-3
Man Utd vs Leeds	pp	pp	pp
Everton vs West Ham	xx	1-2	0-0
Chelsea vs Liverpool	pp	pp	pp

Brighton v Crystal Palace, Manchester United v Leeds and Chelsea v Liverpool postponed.

A correct result (selection of win, draw or loss) counts 10 Points. The exact score deserves 40 Points.

SUTTON’S PREDICTIONS

Games start at 3pm BST unless otherwise stated

FRIDAY

Aston Villa – Southampton (20:00 CET)

This is a really big game for Aston Villa as we go into the international break and Gerrard is under some pressure.

Southampton have started the season better than Villa but home fans expect them to win this one.

It’s going to be close but I think Villa will make it.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

Russell’s prediction: I went to this game when we played Saints in early March. It was my 40th birthday and We won 4-0 That was a very nice touch – what a birthday gift! We’ve only won four games since then [out of 18] So it’s a testing time for Gerrard and he really needs a win here because there will be more murmurs about his future if we don’t. I’m going to this one too – it’s going to be my first game of the season – and I think it’s going to be a close game but hopefully we’ll win it. 2-1

Nottingham Forest v Fulham (20:00)

This is a massive game for Nottingham Forest too after they lost 3-2 to Bournemouth last time out at the City Ground after leading 2-0.

I thought the way that loss was done could hurt Forest and their fans and we could find out how resilient they are here because Fulham will really try with them.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Fulham won that game 4-0 in the championship last season. Forest fans won’t thank me for saying that, but I don’t think they will keep Mitrovic quiet this time, even though they have a very different squad.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-2

Russell’s prediction: Forest needs a home win like we do, but I actually think there will be a draw in the end. Fulham look pretty solid and they haven’t changed too much while Forest still have a lot to do. 1-1

SATURDAY

Wolves v Manchester City (12:30)

I was at this game at the end of last season when Manchester City won 5-1 and Kevin de Bruyne was absolutely brilliant.

Wolves now have to worry about stopping Erling Haaland as well and Borussia Dortmund were the latest side to find out how difficult that is, even after defending well for most of their game at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

I actually envision Wolves scoring, but I really don’t see them keeping City out. Pep Guardiola’s side won’t run away this time, but they will leave with the points again.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-3

Russell’s prediction: City are already looking very strong and it’s almost like saying they can now give them the title. 0-3

Russell on Jack Grealish: I’ve watched Jack develop during our time in the Championship as players at Villa – he was so little when he played for us in the FA Cup final as a teenager in 2015 but look at him now and he’s a other beast. He didn’t have a great first season at City but we know how good he is and when he’s fully fit again I hope he shows everyone what he can do.

Brighton PP Crystal Palace

This game has been postponed.

Newcastle versus Bournemouth

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be desperate to beat his former club and there are several reasons why the Magpies should do so convincingly.

Howe has a couple of options up front now and you know his side will play up front and create a lot of chances at St James’ Park. You should also score a few goals.

Bournemouth will be looking to build on their comeback win last time out at Forest but I don’t see them getting anything from it. However, you have proved me wrong once before.

Sutton’s prediction: 4-0

Russell’s prediction: The Eddie Howe Derby! He is doing a brilliant job at Newcastle and they will be far too strong for Bournemouth. 3-0

Tottenham v Leicester (17:30)

Tottenham only suffered their first defeat of the season against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, but I have to say I don’t think their performances in recent weeks have always been as good as their results.

Spurs haven’t always clicked, which their manager Antonio Conte should think about, but they should still make short work of Leicester even if they don’t play well this time either.

The Foxes have plenty of firepower themselves, but their problem is clearly defensive – they always look like they’re conceding goals.

I’ve kept Spurs forward Son Heung-min on my fantasy team because this looks like a good game for him to hit the bull’s eye this season – so if that doesn’t happen it’s my fault.

Sutton’s prediction: 4-1

Russell’s prediction: I only see one more defeat for Leicester. Spurs have always been good up front, but Conte has made them solid at the back as well. Whoever makes the top 4 will be interesting this season but I think they will be there. 2-0

SUNDAY

Brentford v Arsenal (12:00)

Brentford got off to a great start last season against Arsenal at home in their first game after promotion and there will be a banging atmosphere again this time.

The Gunners have improved a lot from 12 months ago but the Bees have shown against Manchester United and Leeds recently that they pose a real threat.

So it’s going to be a tough test for Arsenal – and I just have a hunch Brentford will get something out of the game.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

Russell’s prediction: It’s going to be a goal party! I’ve been impressed with Arsenal so far but I just have a feeling this is going to be one of those crazy games. 2-3

Manchester United PP Leeds

This game has been postponed.

Everton v West Ham (14:15)

This game has drawn draws everywhere – which is why I’m aiming for a completely different result!

It could be argued that both teams have been a bit unlucky not to have more points on the board so far – West Ham in particular were on the wrong end of a terrible VAR decision in losing to Chelsea last time out.

Everton are still looking for their first league win of the season, although there was nothing wrong with their performance against Liverpool in the last game and they are becoming a tough side to beat.

A win would boost the season for both sides and I think it’s the Hammers who will get it. They beat Everton home and away last season and I’m aiming for a repeat result – almost.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-2

Russell’s prediction: A David Moyes derby! I thought Everton manager Frank Lampard might be one of those early pressurers but it looks like he’s building a decent team. They played well in the Merseyside derby and will have three points here but I think Moyes will make sure West Ham don’t get beaten. 0-0

Chelsea PP Liverpool

This game has been postponed.

Chris Sutton and Russell Leetch spoke to ` Sport’s Chris Bevan.

How did Sutton do last week?

No Premier League games were played last weekend after football was withdrawn as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ali Bruce Ball	110
Serge Pizzorno	70
GK from the Bad Boy Chiller Crew	70
Chris Sutton	62 (average after six weeks)
Ross MacDonald from The 1975	60
Tom from the dry cleaners	40
juice menace	20

You*	30/60
Chris	28/60
Guests	25/60

*Win, draw and lose prediction based on the highest percentage of votes for each game.

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