Sutton’s Predictions v The Coral, Starsailor, Picture Parlour & AI
Forget the usual Premier League rivalries – this week, the real battle is between Chris Sutton and AI chatbot Copilot. The pundit has boldly claimed he’s more intelligent than AI, at least when it comes to predicting football scores. But can Sutton maintain his lead, or will the machines eventually learn to outsmart him? This season promises a fascinating clash of human intuition and artificial intelligence as they compete head-to-head.
Sutton vs. AI: A Battle of Wits
Sutton, riding high on his BBC predictions lead, has won three of the first four weeks, consistently outperforming the AI. I am 4-0 up on AI – I don’t know if it feels pressure, but it should, Sutton quipped. Also, why is it not going to the best source? That’s me. If it wants to do better, maybe it should start copying me?
However, AI remains unimpressed by Sutton’s boasts, confidently dismissing the notion of his superior intellect. When asked if it was worried about Sutton’s cleverness, Copilot responded with a firm not in the slightest.
The AI’s Perspective on Football Predictions
Copilot acknowledges Sutton’s current edge but suggests a longer-term perspective is necessary. Over time, AI tends to improve as it absorbs more data and refines its models, it stated.
The AI conceded that, Short term: Sutton’s instincts and experience can give him an edge, especially in unpredictable fixtures. However, it optimistically added, Long term: AI may outperform with consistency and breadth, especially across hundreds of matches.
Over the entire 2025-26 season, spanning 380 Premier League games, we’ll discover who reigns supreme: humans or machines. Sutton will make his predictions against BBC Sport readers and a diverse range of guests, in addition to the AI.
Merseyside Derby Preview
For week five, Sutton faces a panel of famous Liverpool and Everton fans before the 247th Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday. Representing Liverpool are The Coral’s James Skelly and Starsailor’s James Walsh, while Picture Parlour’s Katherine Parlour offers an Evertonian viewpoint.
Starsailor and The Coral’s Take
Skelly and Walsh are enjoying Liverpool’s strong start, despite acknowledging room for improvement. Half the team is new, so it is obviously going to take a bit of time bedding in, but there is enough individual quality to get us through until we start fully ticking, Skelly explained.
Walsh added, The performances haven’t been amazing, but they will come. Ryan Gravenberch has been superb, and having a player with his calmness and skill under pressure is really important when a team is not in full gear.
Picture Parlour’s Evertonian Optimism
Parlour, meanwhile, is optimistic about Everton’s new talisman. I couldn’t ask for much more from Jack Grealish right now after all his assists, but he is due his goal for us, she said. He looks so up for it, and the fans are really feeling that electricity. I’m just buzzed to see what he brings to the derby.
Premier League Predictions
Saturday, 20 September
Liverpool v Everton (Anfield, 12:30 BST)
Sutton: 2-0
Skelly: 3-1
Parlour: 1-2
Walsh: 2-1
AI: 2-1
Brighton v Tottenham (Amex Stadium, 15:00 BST)
Sutton: 2-1
Skelly: 2-2
Parlour: 2-1
Walsh: 2-2
AI: 1-2
Burnley v Nottingham Forest (Turf Moor, 15:00 BST)
Sutton: 0-1
Skelly: 1-1
Parlour: 0-2
Walsh: 1-0
AI: 2-0
West Ham v Crystal Palace (London Stadium, 15:00 BST)
Sutton: 0-1
Skelly: 1-2
Parlour: 1-3
Walsh: 2-1
AI: 1-2
Wolves v Leeds (Molineux, 15:00 BST)
Sutton: 1-0
Skelly: 1-1
Parlour: 2-2
Walsh: 1-0
AI: 3-2
Manchester United v Chelsea (Old Trafford, 17:30 BST)
Sutton: 1-2
Skelly: 1-3
Parlour: 1-3
Walsh: 1-1
AI: 1-2
Fulham v Brentford (Craven Cottage, 20:00 BST)
Sutton: 2-1
Skelly: 2-0
Parlour: 1-1
Walsh: 2-1
AI: 1-1
Sunday, 21 September
Bournemouth v Newcastle (Vitality Stadium, 14:00 GMT)
Sutton: 2-1
Skelly: 2-2
Parlour: 2-1
Walsh: 1-3
AI: 1-1
Sunderland v Aston Villa (Stadium of Light, 14:00 GMT)
Sutton: 0-2
Skelly: 1-1
Parlour: 1-0
Walsh: 2-1
AI: 1-0
Arsenal v Manchester City (Emirates Stadium, 16:30 GMT)
Sutton: 1-0
Skelly: 1-2
Parlour: 3-2
Walsh: 1-1
AI: 3-2
AI Accuracy Last Week?
Last week, Chris Sutton successfully predicted eight results out of ten, earning 80 points. Tommy Longhurst, frontman of Only The Poets, matched the total of the BBC readers with 60 points, having predicted six correct results. The AI lagged, correctly predicting five results and earning 50 points.
Will Chris Sutton continue his winning streak, or will the AI learn from its past mistakes? The 2025-26 Premier League season promises thrilling battles both on and off the pitch.
