Sutton’s Predictions v Idlewild Guitarist Rod Jones & AI
Liverpool’s recent back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and Champions League have raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Is this just a temporary wobble for Arne Slot’s side, or the start of deeper troubles? BBC Sport’s football expert Chris Sutton doesn’t mince words: Liverpool look so vulnerable defensively right now. Reflecting on their loss at Crystal Palace, Sutton recalls how Palace could have been four goals up early. With Alisson sidelined by injury from the Galatasaray clash, the Reds’ backline is under even more pressure. Sutton’s predictions highlight how Liverpool could still threaten Chelsea this weekend, but it’s their defensive frailties that demand urgent attention.
This season, Sutton is predicting all 380 Premier League matches, pitting his expertise against AI, BBC Sport readers, and a rotating cast of celebrity guests. For week six, he’s facing off against Rod Jones, the guitarist from Scottish rock band Idlewild and a die-hard Leeds United fan. Idlewild’s new self-titled album drops this Friday, with a UK tour kicking off in October—perfect timing for Rod to blend his love of music and football. Do their Sutton’s predictions align with yours? Scroll down to make your own, and remember: a correct result nets 10 points, while nailing the exact scoreline scores 40.
Who is Rod Jones? A Leeds United Devotee Joins Sutton’s Predictions
Rod Jones grew up in Leeds, falling hard for his hometown club around age 11—just in time for one of their golden eras. It was a great time to start following them, he tells BBC Sport. We went up in 1990, finished fourth, and then we were First Division champions the next year, beating Manchester United to the title. The parade in central Leeds remains a vivid memory: It felt like the start of something huge, but over the past 30 years, there have been a few false dawns like that—it hasn’t always worked out.
Now back in the Premier League after promotion, Leeds under Daniel Farke have started solidly, a far cry from the chaotic, goal-filled spectacle of Marcelo Bielsa’s 2020 return. Rod is relatively confident they can hold their own: Farke’s more pragmatic, but I still think we can do some damage and aim for mid-table. His all-time Leeds heroes? Welsh icon Gary Speed tops the list, followed by Gary McAllister, Gordon Strachan, and a cheeky nod to a certain Frenchman from the title-winning side (we won’t name names). Alan Smith nearly challenged Speed’s top spot, until he went to the wrong place across the Pennines.
These Sutton’s predictions were crafted in conversation with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan. The AI side? Powered by Microsoft Copilot Chat, simply prompted to predict this weekend’s Premier League scores. No fancy algorithms here—just raw, tech-driven guesses.
Sutton’s Predictions: Friday’s Fixture – Bournemouth vs Fulham
Kicking off the weekend at Vitality Stadium (20:00 BST), Bournemouth host Fulham in a clash that could see goals flying. Sutton was at Fulham’s loss to Aston Villa last Sunday, praising 18-year-old Josh King: He looks like a heck of a player already—wonderful awareness. But Fulham faded, and with Bournemouth snatching a late point against Leeds last time, Sutton’s backing the Cherries at home. They won 1-0 here last season, and he’s sticking with that: Sutton’s prediction: Bournemouth 1-0 Fulham.
Rod, who’s seen Leeds concede late against both, initially leaned Bournemouth 2-1 but revised to a clean sheet: Rod’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Fulham. AI agrees on the hosts: AI’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Fulham. Expect a gritty battle, with Bournemouth’s organization shining through.
Sutton’s Predictions: Saturday’s Lineup – Leeds vs Tottenham and More
Leeds United vs Tottenham (Elland Road, 12:30 BST)
Leeds have exceeded expectations, balancing attack and defense under Farke—barring that Arsenal thrashing. Sutton credits their competitiveness, noting late concessions cost them points against Fulham and Bournemouth. Tottenham’s midweek exertions in the Arctic against Bodo/Glimt leave them vulnerable: This could be another draw for Spurs. Sutton’s prediction: 1-1.
Rod’s Leeds bias shines: Elland Road is a fortress—the crowd will get us over the line. He tempers wild group chat hopes of 6-0, settling on Rod’s prediction: Leeds 2-1 Tottenham. AI fancies Spurs: AI’s prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Leeds.
Arsenal vs West Ham (Emirates Stadium, 15:00 BST)
Arsenal are firing on all cylinders, with the league’s stingiest defense (just three goals conceded in six games). West Ham have won here twice recently, but Sutton sees the Gunners dominating: Sutton’s prediction: Arsenal 3-0 West Ham.
Rod concedes Arsenal’s danger after their Leeds drubbing: Rod’s prediction: Arsenal 3-0 West Ham. AI predicts a closer affair: AI’s prediction: Arsenal 3-2 West Ham.
Manchester United vs Sunderland (Old Trafford, 15:00 BST)
Sutton’s reverse psychology strikes again—he’s backed Sunderland to lose every game so far, only for them to win most. They’re well-organized; United are a mess. Blaming poor defending and goalkeeping chaos under Ruben Amorim, he predicts an upset: Sutton’s prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Manchester United.
Rod, nursing summer transfer grudges, sees parity: Rod’s prediction: 1-1. AI sides with the hosts: AI’s prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland.
Chelsea vs Liverpool (Stamford Bridge, 17:30 BST)
Chelsea’s red cards cost them dearly against United and Brighton, but Sutton believes they’ll exploit Liverpool’s woes: Chelsea can hurt them without Palmer—even if it’s 11 v 11. Backing his old club boldly: Sutton’s prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool.
Rod trusts Liverpool’s quality to rebound: Rod’s prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea. AI hedges: AI’s prediction: 2-2.
Sutton’s Predictions: Sunday Showdowns – From Villa to City
Aston Villa vs Burnley (Villa Park, 14:00 BST)
Villa’s first win came against Fulham, but midweek Europa League duties loom. Sutton favors Burnley’s resilience: Sutton’s prediction: 1-1.
Rod sees a narrow home win: Rod’s prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Burnley. AI matches Rod: AI’s prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Burnley.
Everton vs Crystal Palace (Hill Dickinson Stadium, 14:00 BST)
Everton’s new home isn’t the fortress yet—two draws from three. Sutton backs Palace’s directness: Sutton’s prediction: Everton 0-1 Crystal Palace.
Rod calls a stalemate: Rod’s prediction: 1-1. AI goes goals: AI’s prediction: 2-2.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest (St James’ Park, 14:00 BST)
Newcastle need league goals after a midweek Europa blast. Sutton expects fireworks: Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Nottingham Forest.
Rod’s bold punt on Forest’s chaos: Rod’s prediction: Newcastle 0-2 Nottingham Forest. AI keeps it tight: AI’s prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Nottingham Forest.
Wolverhampton vs Brighton (Molineux, 14:00 BST)
Wolves desperately need home points after three losses. Sutton braves a Brighton win: Sutton’s prediction: Wolves 1-2 Brighton.
Rod echoes after Leeds’ win over Wolves: Rod’s prediction: 1-2. AI agrees: AI’s prediction: Brighton 1-0 Wolves.
Brentford vs Manchester City (Gtech Community Stadium, 16:30 BST)
City’s unbeaten run hides flaws, but Foden and Haaland dazzle. Sutton sees them edging it: Sutton’s prediction: Brentford 1-2 Manchester City.
Rod feels City’s resurgence: Rod’s prediction: 1-2. AI is decisive: AI’s prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Brentford.
How Did Sutton’s Predictions Fare Last Week?
Week five went down to the wire with Everton vs West Ham. Guest Kidwild nailed 1-1, denying AI victory. Sutton and readers scored 50 points (two correct results, one exact). AI hit 60, but guests averaged the same—Sutton calls it a draw. No shared crowns for him!
After six weeks: Sutton leads with 3 wins, 0 ties, 420 points. Guests: 1 win, 1 tie, 380 points. You: 1 win, 0 ties, 460 points. AI: 0 wins, 1 tie, 380 points.
Sutton’s predictions continue to captivate, blending expert insight with fan passion. As Rod Jones brings his Leeds fervor to the mix, this week’s showdowns promise drama. Will Sutton edge ahead, or will AI or Rod surprise? Stay tuned—Sutton’s predictions are your go-to for Premier League thrills.
