AI and Football Manager 26 Challenge Premier League Predictions
Is this the beginning of the rise of the machines?
Last week marked a significant milestone as artificial intelligence achieved its first outright victory in our Premier League predictions challenge. However, BBC Sport's expert, Chris Sutton, remains at the top of the overall league for the season.
This week, Sutton faces a new technological rival alongside AI. His opponent for this weekend's fixtures is the computer game Football Manager 26, the latest installment in the renowned management simulation series.
The FM26 game engine has simulated this weekend's matches, and its results—including goalscorers and red cards—are available below.
Miles Jacobson, the studio director at Sports Interactive, the company behind Football Manager, also participated in the predictions.
Do you agree with their predictions? You can submit your own forecasts below.
The most popular scoreline chosen for each game will be reflected in the scoreboards and tables at the bottom of this page.
A correct result (selecting a win, draw, or loss) earns 10 points, while predicting the exact score awards 40 points.
FM26 is set to be released next week and, for the first time, allows players to manage both men's and women's teams, featuring a women's football database with over 36,000 players.
This edition also introduces tactical innovations, such as the ability to select different formations based on whether a team is in possession or not. The trend of set-pieces in the Premier League this season has been a feature of the game for some time.
Jacobson shared insights with BBC Sport, stating, "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is implementing strategies similar to those used by Tony Pulis regarding set-pieces, including employing a set-piece coach to generate ideas. However, set-piece coaches have been part of FM for a while, and we regularly consult with several to discuss their approaches. Currently, long throws have regained popularity, but their effectiveness may diminish if teams adapt their defensive training to counter them. Clubs continually seek advantages, drawing from both historical and innovative strategies. This season, the unpredictable nature of the Premier League table reflects teams pursuing marginal gains—an approach mirrored in Football Manager as well."
Chris Sutton and Miles Jacobson were interviewed by BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
The AI predictions were generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat, where we prompted the tool to 'predict this weekend's Premier League scores.'
FM26's Premier League Predictions, Including Goalscorers and Red Cards
Premier League Predictions
Saturday, 1 November
Amex Stadium, 15:00 BST
Leeds have made a strong start, and I am pleased for Daniel Farke. He faced criticism during his time at Norwich, with many doubting his capabilities as a Premier League manager. However, aside from their heavy defeat to Arsenal, his team has been competitive in all their matches so far.
Despite this, I am predicting a Brighton victory. The Seagulls did not perform well against Manchester United last weekend and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Arsenal on Wednesday. However, they remain unbeaten at home, and I expect them to rebound.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
FM26's prediction: 1-1
Miles' prediction: Leeds have exceeded expectations, but I still foresee a Brighton win. 2-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
Turf Moor, 15:00 BST
Arsenal's ability to win games in various ways places them in a remarkably strong position. They boast both flair players and an impressive record of scoring from set-pieces, complemented by solid defensive play.
While we often discuss machines when comparing AI and computer games for predictions, Arsenal currently resembles a well-oiled machine that few can stop.
There have been more aesthetically pleasing Arsenal teams, but their effectiveness and defensive strength are undeniable. Expect to see several '1-0 to the Arsenal' results, reminiscent of their classic chant from the 1990s. However, when they find their rhythm, they can dismantle teams.
Burnley, like other promoted teams, has been competitive, coming close to Liverpool and Manchester City earlier in the season, despite losses in both matches. Their recent late win against Wolves was a significant boost, alleviating some pressure. While this match may not yield any points for Burnley, I anticipate they will remain resilient and competitive.
Sutton's prediction: 0-1
FM26's prediction: 1-2
Miles' prediction: Burnley has performed better than expected, but Arsenal's unbeaten streak speaks volumes. 1-2
AI's prediction: 0-3
Selhurst Park, 15:00 BST
Both teams find themselves mid-table and seem to have made positive starts this season, with both advancing in the Carabao Cup midweek.
There were initial doubts regarding Keith Andrews' ability to succeed Thomas Frank as Brentford's manager, especially considering the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. However, the team has adapted well.
The Bees are an effective counter-attacking side, making this match-up against a Crystal Palace team that excels on the break particularly intriguing.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
FM26's prediction: 0-0
Miles' prediction: The transition from Frank to Andrews in his first managerial role is interesting, but he is performing admirably. The club's system remains largely unchanged and owner-driven. 1-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
Craven Cottage, 15:00 BST
This match is crucial for both teams.
Last season, Wolves defeated Fulham 4-1 here, which was one of Gary O'Neil's final matches in charge before Vitor Pereira took over. Pereira would certainly welcome a similar result this time.
It doesn't get much worse for a manager than clashing with their own fans, which occurred after Wolves lost to Burnley last time out, leaving Pereira's side at the bottom without a league win this season.