Chris Sutton Predicts Week 6: Arsenal to Beat Leeds, Man Utd vs Tottenham Uncertainty
Chris Sutton and Starsailor frontman James Walsh have made their predictions for Week 6 of the Premier League season, with all eyes on Anfield on Sunday to see how Manchester City react after being found guilty of breaking the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching.
- Main event: Manchester City, the Premier League leaders, travel to Anfield on Sunday amid the fallout from their financial rules verdict.
- Saturday's fixtures: Arsenal vs Leeds United (12:30 BST, Emirates Stadium), Aston Villa vs Brentford (15:00, Villa Park), Chelsea vs Bournemouth (15:00, Stamford Bridge), Ipswich Town vs Fulham (15:00, Portman Road), Sunderland vs Brighton (15:00, Stadium of Light), Manchester United vs Tottenham (17:30, Old Trafford).
- Expert picks: Sutton backs Arsenal to win 2-0 and Chelsea 3-1, while guest James Walsh goes for a Leeds draw and a comfortable Chelsea win.
- Points system: A correct result earns 10 points; the exact score earns 40 points.
- Guest: James Walsh of Starsailor, who supports Liverpool, released a 25th-anniversary edition of their debut album Love is Here this week.
What was said
"It's a mammoth game. Everyone is looking at this game to see if City's players appear deflated and how much it will affect them. We don't know what the implications are for this season, either. They are top of the league at the moment but will they get a massive points deduction that changes that?"
"You have to be realistic whenever a new manager comes in, especially with the big signings we made last year, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, not hitting the ground running. I think just give him a chance to implement his way of playing football and give Isak and Wirtz a chance to prove themselves this season. I don't see us winning the title but I'd be more than happy with the FA Cup or even the Carabao Cup, and having a good run in Europe. It's a bit greedy but of course you do like to see your team win something every season. Three more trophies like in 2001 would be pretty good!"
Sutton's verdict on Manchester City sets the tone for the weekend: the champions' mental state is as big a story as the tactical battle at Anfield. Walsh's comments, meanwhile, reflect a Liverpool fanbase tempering expectations under new manager Andoni Iraola, while still hoping for cup success.
Arsenal vs Leeds United
Brighton were brilliant when they beat Arsenal before the international break, harrying and hassling the champions. Sutton expects Leeds to provide a stern test, noting Daniel Farke's side are "really solid but also carry a big threat" and are a different proposition to the side Arsenal thumped 5-0 at the Emirates at the start of last season. He backs the Gunners to win 2-0, but expects a closer game because Leeds "don't concede goals as freely anymore". Walsh makes this his outlier prediction, giving Leeds a 1-1 draw as credit for their unbeaten start. The AI predicts a 3-1 Arsenal win.
Aston Villa vs Brentford
Sutton feels the international break may have done Aston Villa good, while Brentford didn't want it. Despite Brentford being unbeaten and Villa's inconsistent form, Sutton sticks with a 2-1 Villa win, highlighting Johan Manzambi, who is fit again and has found his best form for Switzerland. Walsh agrees with a 2-1 Villa win, expecting them to click against a Brentford side in really good form. The AI forecasts a 2-2 draw.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth have not won under Marco Rose and are without key midfielder Alex Scott for a while after his injury on international duty. Sutton calls Scott's absence a huge blow and says Bournemouth have been unlucky with late goals conceded. He describes Chelsea as a nightmare to predict: defensively they have huge issues, but their attack is talented. With Cole Palmer rested and refreshed after injury, Sutton predicts a 3-1 Chelsea win. Walsh sees no joy for Bournemouth and predicts 2-0 to Chelsea. The AI agrees with a 2-0 Chelsea win.
Ipswich Town vs Fulham
Ipswich lost to Everton last time out but gave it a real go even with 10 men. Sutton hopes they stay up but finds this a tough game because Fulham, though winless, have deserved more. He notes Fulham were unlucky not to beat Manchester United before the break and impressed in a draw with Liverpool last month. Sutton predicts a 1-1 draw. Walsh thinks Fulham will get chances and predicts a 2-1 away win. The AI also forecasts a 1-1 draw.
Sunderland vs Brighton
Sutton usually backs Sunderland at home but admits Brighton are playing brilliant football and must be full of confidence. He recalls Brighton sneaking a win at the Stadium of Light last season and expects another close game, this time ending 1-1. Walsh praises both teams' attacking football and can't pick a winner, predicting 2-2 if Sunderland show the never-say-die spirit they had against Manchester City. The AI predicts a 2-1 Brighton win.
Manchester United vs Tottenham
Sutton says a win would be big for Manchester United boss Michael Carrick after a shaky start, but the implications for his future would be bigger if his side lose. Everything tells him Carrick's side should take three points because Tottenham are "so flaky", but he is not sure about United either. He notes Spurs are bottom of the table for a reason – they have been terrible so far. The source cuts off before Sutton and Walsh give their full predictions for this game.
The numbers
- Correct result: 10 points
- Exact score: 40 points
- Total Premier League games predicted by Sutton this season: 380
- Week: 6
Analysis: Why Manchester City's Anfield Trip Is About More Than Football
Manchester City arrive at Anfield as Premier League leaders but with a cloud hanging over them. The guilty verdict on the majority of the 115 financial rules charges raises immediate questions about points deductions and player mentality. Sutton's point about City potentially appearing deflated is key: Pep Guardiola must rally a squad that knows the season could be rewritten by an independent panel. If City are off it, Liverpool under Andoni Iraola will sense blood at Anfield.
Elsewhere, Arsenal must respond to their Brighton defeat. Leeds' resilience, highlighted by Walsh, could frustrate the Gunners, but Mikel Arteta has the firepower to break them down. At Chelsea, Cole Palmer's return is a huge boost; if he clicks with the front line, Bournemouth's winless start under Marco Rose likely continues.
At Old Trafford, Michael Carrick faces a defining game. Tottenham are bottom and terrible, but United's own inconsistency makes this a banana skin. A defeat could have serious consequences for Carrick's future, as Sutton points out. This is the kind of match that swings on fine margins.
Talking points
- Will Manchester City's players be mentally affected by the financial rules verdict, or will it galvanise them at Anfield?
- Can Arsenal bounce back from the Brighton defeat, or will Leeds' unbeaten start cause another upset?
- Is Cole Palmer's return enough to paper over Chelsea's defensive cracks against Bournemouth?
- Should Michael Carrick be worried about his Manchester United future if they lose to bottom-of-the-table Tottenham?
What happens next
All six Saturday fixtures kick off at 12:30 and 15:00 BST, with Manchester United vs Tottenham at 17:30. Manchester City's trip to Anfield on Sunday will be scrutinised for their reaction to the guilty verdict. Sutton's predictions will be updated, and readers can still make their own picks using the BBC Sport predictor.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Arsenal vs Leeds United?
Arsenal vs Leeds United kicks off at 12:30 BST at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 10 October.
Who is Chris Sutton's guest for Week 6 predictions?
Chris Sutton is up against Starsailor frontman James Walsh, a Liverpool supporter, for Week 6.
What is at stake for Manchester City at Anfield?
Manchester City face Liverpool on Sunday with all eyes on how they react after being found guilty of breaking the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching.
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