Manchester Derby Preview and Premier League Predictions
The 197th Manchester derby is set to take place at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, raising the question: will the Blues or the Reds secure the points and local bragging rights?
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton expressed, "This is incredibly difficult to predict for various reasons." He noted that Manchester United might be energized by their recent victory over Burnley prior to the international break, but he harbors concerns regarding Manchester City's performance following their unexpected defeat to Brighton.
Sutton is providing predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, competing against AI, BBC Sport readers, and a range of guests. For this week, he faces off against Tommy Longhurst , the frontman of the band Only The Poets.
The Reading-based band is selling tickets for £1 for their performance at the O2 Academy Brixton in February 2026, shortly after the release of their debut album, "And I'd Do It Again." Fans are encouraged to make their own predictions for the matches.
The most popular scoreline for each game will be utilized in the scoreboards and tables featured at the bottom of the page. A correct prediction of a win, draw, or loss earns 10 points, while predicting the exact score grants 40 points.
Longhurst, who grew up supporting Reading, reminisced about the club's time in the Premier League, which concluded in 2013. He fondly recalled players like Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita as his heroes. "When we were in the Premier League, that was a really special time. We finished eighth in our first season, 2007-08, and nearly qualified for Europe. That entire team was remarkable," he shared.
Despite Reading's relegation to League One in 2023, Longhurst is optimistic about the club's future under new ownership. "If we could return to the Premier League in my lifetime, that would be unbelievable," he stated. "Currently, the team is undergoing a rebuild, but with our stadium, our Category One academy, and our training ground, the infrastructure is definitely in place for promotion. I hope we can return to the Championship in a couple of years; that’s the first goal, anyway."
Chris Sutton and Tommy Longhurst were interviewed by BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
The AI predictions were generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat, which was asked to 'predict this weekend's Premier League scores.'
Premier League Predictions
Saturday, 13 September
Emirates Stadium, 12:30 BST
In Ange Postecoglou's first match in charge, I do not anticipate significant changes from Nottingham Forest. While he will implement his attacking principles, I doubt he will adopt a high defensive line, especially against Arsenal.
Returning to north London presents a challenging start for him, even with Arsenal facing injuries to Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Kai Havertz. Arsenal's squad remains talented and dangerous; Noni Madueke's outstanding performance for England against Serbia has boosted his confidence.
This match may require Arsenal to grind out a result, but I believe they will find a way to win.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Tommy's prediction: Arsenal is looking solid; 2-0
AI's prediction: 3-1
Vitality Stadium, 15:00 BST
Both Bournemouth and Brighton enjoyed impressive victories before the international break. Bournemouth narrowly defeated Tottenham 1-0 but could have scored more. In contrast, Brighton's late win over Manchester City was notable, although Erling Haaland could have secured a hat-trick for City.
Surprisingly, Brighton managed to complete a double over Bournemouth last season, winning both encounters 2-1. However, I believe Bournemouth will not leave empty-handed this time, predicting an exciting draw.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Tommy's prediction: Bournemouth looks strong at home; 3-1
AI's prediction: 2-2
Selhurst Park, 15:00 BST
It was crucial for Crystal Palace to retain defender Marc Guehi, despite Liverpool's attempts to sign him on deadline day. I admire Guehi for his professionalism throughout that transfer saga.
Given Palace's recent success against Aston Villa, I regret not predicting a win for them last time. They have faced Villa four times recently, winning three and drawing one. Despite missing Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr due to injury, manager Oliver Glasner has proven adept at maximizing his squad's effectiveness.
Sunderland has performed well at home, winning their first two games, but I anticipate they will have to wait longer for their first point away.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Tommy's prediction: Glasner has done an exceptional job at Palace; 2-0
AI's prediction: 2-0