BBC Sport's weekly prediction league features Chris Sutton pitted against Football Manager 27 (FM27) and an AI tool for the upcoming Premier League fixtures. The latest edition of the management simulation, released on 10 November, has simulated the weekend's matches, providing scorelines and goalscorers. Sports Interactive studio director Miles Jacobson also joined the panel, highlighting new features in FM27 such as the ability to customise a manager's visual appearance, including wheelchair-using managers for the first time.
FM27's new accessibility feature
Jacobson said the inclusion of wheelchair-using managers was a proud moment for the studio. He described seeing videos of disabled players reacting to the representation during the game's free trial as emotionally powerful, noting that it means a lot to people who have not been represented in games before.
Tactical Effectiveness training system
FM27 introduces a new training system called Tactical Effectiveness, which mirrors the real-life adjustment period when a new manager implements complex tactics. Jacobson compared it to Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner's recent comments about shifting from a supportive approach to demanding tactical adherence after a defeat.
Friday 6 November predictions
Coventry City vs Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium: Sutton predicts 2-0 to Everton, FM27 predicts 2-0, Jacobson predicts 2-1, AI predicts 2-0.
Saturday 7 November predictions
Leeds United vs Tottenham at Elland Road: Sutton 1-1, FM27 2-1, Jacobson 1-1, AI 1-2.
Arsenal vs Hull City at Emirates Stadium: Sutton 2-0, FM27 1-0, Jacobson 2-1, AI 3-0.
Fulham vs Newcastle at Craven Cottage: Sutton 2-1, FM27 1-1, Jacobson 0-0, AI 1-1.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City at City Ground: Sutton 1-2, FM27 0-0, Jacobson 0-3, AI 1-2.
Sunday 8 November predictions
Brighton vs Brentford at Amex Stadium: Sutton 2-1, FM27 0-1, Jacobson 2-2, AI 2-1.
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool at Selhurst Park: Sutton 0-2, FM27 0-1, Jacobson 0-2, AI 1-3.
Ipswich Town vs Bournemouth at Portman Road: Sutton 1-1, FM27 1-2, Jacobson 0-2, AI 1-1.
Sunderland vs Chelsea at Stadium of Light: Sutton 1-2, FM27 1-1, Jacobson 1-2, AI 1-2.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa at Old Trafford: Sutton 1-3, FM27 2-1, Jacobson 1-2, AI 2-2.
Previous week results
In week nine, Sutton earned 100 points with four correct results and two exact scores, beating guest John Hannah (40 points) and the AI (80 points). BBC readers collectively topped the weekly table with 110 points from five correct results and two exact scores. The most popular exact prediction among over 40,000 entries was Chelsea's 2-0 win over Manchester United, correctly forecast by nearly 10,000 participants.
