The first official Eurovision Song Contest live tour has been announced to mark 70 years of the pop extravaganza – and thankfully there won’t be a ’nul points’ in sight.
Iconic acts from the past seven decades of the competition will take to the stage as well as 10 new acts fresh from competing in the 2026 contest in May.
Starting at London’s 02 Arena on June 15, the tour will head to 10 European cities including Hamburg, Milan, and Paris before concluding in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 2.
Organisers have teased surprise guests will also perform to fans on each of the dates. The line-up of 2026 artists will be confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union the day after this year’s grand final in Vienna, Austria, on May 16. Acts featured on the tour will perform their own Eurovision Song Contest entry as well as a cover version from the 70 year back catalogue.
Katrina And The Waves last won Eurovision for the UK in 1997 with Love Shine a Light
While the line-up is yet to be confirmed, fans will be hoping to see the likes of Conchita Wurst, Lordi, Loreen and the UK’s very own Bucks Fizz on the line-up of legends.
The UK has seen varied fortunes in the competition – winning the show five times, starting with Sandie Shaw’s Puppet on a String in 1967 and last singing to glory with Katrina and the Waves’ Love Shine A Light back in 1997.
Sam Ryder’s Space Man finished an impressive second place in 2022, but the points have been on the slide since with Olly Alexander receiving no points from the public tele vote in 2024 with his track Dizzy and girlband Remember Monday suffering a similar blow last year. Their song What the Hell Just Happened? also received zero points from viewers, but the girlband scored enough votes from the jury to finish 19th out of a possible 28.
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said: “As we celebrate 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest, we wanted to do something truly unique and special – and the Eurovision Song Contest live tour is exactly that.
Olly Alexander represented the UK in 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images)
“This historic first tour captures the evolution of the contest – from broadcast icon to an immersive live experience – with a format that celebrates our fantastic past whilst looking to the future.
“For the very first time we are bringing the magic of the Eurovision Song Contest live experience directly to fans and their friends and families all over Europe. This is our chance to celebrate the music, the artists, and the community that have made the Eurovision Song Contest what it is for seven remarkable decades.”
James O’Brien, chief executive of Progress Productions, said: “Creating this concert series is an extraordinary honour.
“The Eurovision Song Contest has produced some of the most unforgettable performances in music history, and we can’t wait to bring that energy to arenas across Europe in 2026.
“This tour will be a celebration of everything that makes the Eurovision Song Contest iconic.”
Last year’s shows were reached by 175 million people across the globe.
Those who want to register for tickets can sign up at www.eurovision.com/account/register/ and full artist line-ups for each location will be available at www.eurovision.com/tour.
Birmingham Phoenix have signed opening batter Mitch Owen and seamer Lucy Hamilton for the 2026 Hundred season.
Owen has made 16 appearances for Australia in the white-ball formats since making his debut in July.
The 24-year-old was the top run-scorer in the 2024-25 Big Bash League and propelled Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden title with a 39-ball century in the final, the joint-fastest in the history of the competition.
Uncapped compatriot Hamilton, 19, has played 21 games for Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League over the last four seasons, and is the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in the tournament’s history.
“Lucy and Mitch are two players we’re delighted to bring into the Phoenix environment,” said Phoenix performance director James Thomas.
“Lucy is a talented young bowler with great potential, and we believe this is the perfect setting for her to continue her development.
“Mitch adds power, versatility and competitive edge to our men’s squad, and his skillset suits the Hundred format extremely well.”
Hamilton joins Alice Capsey, Lauren Filer and Ellyse Perry at Phoenix women, while Owen is the third signing for the Phoenix men’s side after Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell.
Transcendent moments in geopolitics that reverberate around the world are no longer just forged in the streets or inside situation rooms. They are increasingly engineered in the digital sphere, where actors, often with a self-serving agenda, compete to control the narrative, define its meaning and decide who speaks for whom.
In recent weeks as protests erupted in Iranian cities, the hashtag #FreeThePersianPeople trended on X. The campaign was accompanied by a flood of posts heralding an imminent “decisive moment” in Iran’s history and presenting themselves as the authentic voice of the Iranian people.
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However, an extensive data analysis by Al Jazeera reveals a different picture.
Data from Tweet Binder reveals that most of the posts lack organic engagement [Al Jazeera]
Tracking the sources of this interaction and its dissemination paths uncovers that the digital campaign did not originate organically from within Iran.
Instead, it was spearheaded by external networks – primarily accounts linked to Israel or pro-Israel circles – that played a central role in manufacturing momentum and steering the discourse toward specific geopolitical goals.
‘Abnormal’ patterns of circulation
The data associated with the campaign reveals a striking anomaly in how the hashtag spread, indicative of artificial amplification.
Al Jazeera’s analysis found that 94 percent of the 4,370 posts analysed were retweets compared with a negligible percentage of original content.
More significantly, the number of accounts producing original content did not exceed 170 users, yet the campaign reached more than 18 million users.
This massive gap between the limited number of sources and the vast reach is a hallmark of coordinated influence operations, often referred to as “astroturfing”, in which pre-packaged messages are amplified to create the illusion of widespread public consensus.
A single narrative, multiple formats
A review of the content shows the hashtag was not merely an expression of social or economic grievances. Instead, it carried a rigid political framework designed to reframe and actually pour on the unrest.
The discourse portrayed developments inside Iran as a “moment of collapse” and relied on sharp binaries: “The People vs. The Regime”, “Freedom vs. Political Islam” and “Iran vs. The Islamic Republic”.
The campaign heavily promoted Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, as the sole political alternative. Pahlavi himself engaged with the campaign, a move that was immediately amplified by Israeli accounts describing him as the “face of the alternative Iran”. But he is not thought of in those terms by a majority of Iranians, many of whom have memories of his father’s abuses and how the CIA restored him to power in 1953 in a United States-United Kingdom-orchestrated coup.
Translation: I am sharing my first call with you today and invite you to start chanting slogans this Thursday and Friday, 18th and 19th of Dey, simultaneously at 8 PM, all of you whether in the streets or even from your own homes. Based on the feedback from this action, I will announce the next calls to you.
Direct Israeli involvement
The campaign was not limited to anonymous activists. It also involved direct participation from current and former Israeli officials during the campaign’s peak.
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a tweet in Persian addressed to the Iranian people, calling for the “fall of the dictator” and expressing support for the protests.
Translation: The people of Iran deserve a free life, liberated from the killer dictator, Khamenei. We stand with you!
Similarly, tweets by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett were widely circulated within the hashtag’s network, repurposed to fit the “liberation” narrative.
Turning protests into an ideological war
One of the campaign’s most prominent features was its attempt to reframe the protests as a conflict against religion rather than against economic mismanagement and political repression.
Posts describing the Iranian government as an “oppressive Islamist regime” circulated alongside narratives portraying the “Persian people” as victims of Islam. This attempt to distinguish between “Persians” and “Muslims” appeared aimed at isolating the regime from Iranian society and framing the unrest as a civilizational clash.
Israeli activists, including Eyal Yakoby and Hillel Neuer, also pushed content accusing the Iranian authorities of excessive violence while attacking what they termed the “silence of international media”.
Calls for foreign intervention
The discourse quickly evolved from solidarity to explicit calls for foreign military intervention. And this narrative was pushed by US President Donald Trump, who bombed Iran’s nuclear sites as part of Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June.
The network amplified statements attributed to Trump regarding Washington’s readiness to intervene. Pahlavi publicly welcomed these statements, framing them as support for “change”.
Simultaneously, members of the US Congress, including Representative Pat Fallon, a member of Trump’s Republican Party, further amplified these sentiments while dozens of accounts within the network directed tweets at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging direct Israeli intervention.
Tweet Binder’s timeline reveals activity peaks coinciding with intensive posting intervals [Al Jazeera]
The ‘puppet masters’ behind the network
Al Jazeera’s network analysis identified specific “central nodes”, or accounts that played a pivotal role in amplifying the hashtag.
“Rhythm of X”: This account emerged as a central hub for interaction. Created in 2024, it has changed its handle five times. Its content focuses almost exclusively on supporting Israel, promoting the Iranian monarchy and calling for US action against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The #FreeThePersianPeople hashtag is driven by external accounts acting as nodes in the dissemination network [Al Jazeera]
“Nioh Berg”: This verified account created in 2017 (which has also changed its name five times) identifies its user as a “Jewish Iranian activist”. It presents her as a key voice in the movement and says she is wanted by Iranian authorities.
The network analysis exposes an Israeli fingerprint in trying to shape the narrative about the protests in Iran [Al Jazeera]
“Israel War Room”: The analysis shows a strong overlap between the “Nioh Berg” network and the “Israel War Room” account, which regularly disseminates security and political content aligned with Israeli state narratives.
The network analysis reveals the digital campaign in support of the Iranian antigovernment protests did not originate organically from Iran [Al Jazeera]
Manufacturing a crisis
The investigation concludes that the #FreeThePersianPeople campaign was not a spontaneous digital expression of internal Iranian anger.
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton already has enough on his plate trying to get the better of AI at predictions, but now he has a WWE superstar on his case too.
Newly crowned WWE world champion Drew McIntyre, a Rangers fan, has clashed with former Celtic striker Sutton in the past over their Old Firm allegiances.
We would love to see them meet in the wrestling ring but, for now, they will attempt to outdo each other – as well as the BBC readers and AI – by trying to pick the right results for the weekend’s 10 Premier League matches.
Drew will make his predictions on Friday and we’ll bring them to you. Do you agree with Sutton’s scores? You can pick your own below.
The most popular scoreline selected for each game is used in the scoreboards and tables at the bottom of this page.
WWE
McIntyre is in the UK for the WWE Live Road to Royal Rumble Tour, which continues in Newcastle on Thursday, and you can watch each event on Netflix.
He landed the WWE world crown for the third time in Berlin last week, but his latest success did not impress Sutton too much.
“Drew is getting on a bit now,” Sutton said. “Is he really world champion again at his age?
“Fair play to him for winning it but if he wants to fight me when he’s over here then I’d probably give him a tougher test than the people he beat to get his belt.
“Honestly, I reckon I would cause him a problem or two. He’s all dumbbells and muscles – I’ve got the greater all-round core strength… and more brains as well.
“But, let’s face it, he has to win things himself because his football club don’t win a lot.”
Chris Sutton was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
BT Sport
Premier League predictions
Saturday, 17 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Well, I know who is going to win this. I’m just not sure about the score.
What on earth is going on at Manchester United? It just seems like they are making it up as they go along.
I don’t get the thinking at Old Trafford, so I’m probably wrong here, but it looks to me like they are waiting to try to get England boss Thomas Tuchel in the summer, or maybe even United States manager Mauricio Pochettino – who could also be free after the World Cup.
In the meantime, here we are with United treading water again. It would have been interesting if Darren Fletcher had won the two games when he was manager – would he still be in charge?
We will have to see how caretaker boss Michael Carrick lines United up – whether he plays with a back four and what shape he will use – but I don’t see it making much difference against Manchester City.
I was at St James’ Park on Tuesday and City were really comfortable against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. That was the first time I’ve seen Rayan Cherki in the flesh and when he came on you could tell what an intelligent footballer he is.
Erling Haaland has only scored once, a penalty, in his past six games and he did not get on the scoresheet when City scored 10 against Exeter in the FA Cup.
So he is due a goal, and he usually gets at least one against United – he has scored eight in six league games against them – so they need to find a way of stopping him this time.
This is such a tough start for Carrick. I am going to give United a goal for their fans to get excited about, but City will still take the points pretty easily.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-3
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea looked a bit like Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea against Arsenal, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez playing out from the back.
It seems they have got a new manager who is going to play the same way as their old one, but is Rosenior going to be a stickler for doing it at all costs the way Maresca was?
It finished 2-2 when these sides met earlier in the season, and it will be close this time too.
Brentford are on such a good run that has seem them climb to fifth, three places above Chelsea, but I still fancy the Blues at Stamford Bridge even though they have only won one of their past five games there.
Rosenior was without several players through injury, illness and suspension against the Gunners, but he will be hoping to have a few of them back for this one.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Leeds lost out to a bizarre stoppage-time own goal at Craven Cottage in September, but they look a different team now – they have come on so much.
Mind you, so have Fulham. The only time Harry Wilson has failed to score recently is when I put him in my Fantasy team, and while I thought they would struggle when some of their players went to the Africa Cup of Nations, the opposite has happened – they have been excellent.
I’d usually back Leeds to win at home, but Fulham have proved they can nick a goal and a result on the road so I am going to sit on the fence here.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Burnley have picked up three draws in their past five league games so they have not given up the fight against the drop, but they have now gone 12 league games without a win and you have to think they have had it.
You still don’t really know what kind of performance you are going to get from Liverpool, and they huffed and puffed a little bit to get past Barnsley in the FA Cup, but I am still going to back them here.
Liverpool needed a stoppage-time Mohamed Salah penalty to win at Turf Moor in September, but I can see it being a lot more comfortable for Arne Slot’s side this time.
I remember when Burnley boss Scott Parker lost 9-0 with Bournemouth at Anfield in 2022, and he was sacked the next day.
I don’t see his side shipping as many goals this time, but Parker is going to be under pressure until the Clarets win again. Maybe that will happen when they are at home to Tottenham next week, because they are not getting anything here.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Crystal Palace have not won any of their past nine games in all competitions, and their FA Cup defeat at Macclesfield was a huge embarrassment.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made changes for that tie which did not work, and the squad depth is clearly not there to cope with this busy time of the season.
Looking at Sunderland’s results, they were not exactly in great form either before they beat Everton in a penalty shootout to reach round four.
The Black Cats are without a win in five league games but the difference with Palace is that they drew four of them and, importantly, they also played well in most of those matches too.
Regis le Bris’s side have been so strong at home that, along with Palace’s poor form, I really have to back them here.
As their fans keep on pointing out, I’ve not done too well at predicting Sunderland scores this season, but I will get one of their results right soon… surely!
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
They are calling this ‘El Sackio’, because both managers are under so much pressure.
Tottenham’s home form is miserable, with two wins in 10 league games, and there is so much angst amongst their fans at the moment.
Similarly, West Ham’s players are probably better off away from home right now because of the animosity from their supporters inside their own stadium, but their away record is just as atrocious with only one win in 10.
This is one of those games where I like to wheel out one of my favourite sayings in football – these two teams have been so bad recently that they both could lose.
It’s certainly hard to make a case for either of them to win it. I am going to go with Spurs, because new signing Conor Gallagher has plenty of energy and will add some thrust and drive to their midfield.
But it’s a lot easier to predict that it will be a dismal game, with Tottenham booed off after a bang-average performance that means Thomas Frank is still under pressure despite winning.
As for Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, he is just going to be in even greater danger of getting the sack.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Nottingham Forest are out of the FA Cup, but by far their biggest result last week was their win at relegation rivals West Ham to end a four-game losing streak in the league.
I don’t see Sean Dyche’s side getting anything here, though. They lost their two previous home games, against Manchester City and Everton, and Arsenal will make it a hat-trick of home defeats.
This is the sort of game that Mikel Arteta’s side seem to know how to win. It might be close, but I’d still back the Gunners to find a way.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Sunday, 18 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
This is a tough one to call because Wolves will feel like they have a little bit of momentum at last, while I am wondering where Newcastle will get their energy from – and how many fit players they have got left.
Wolves are three games unbeaten in the league, including their first win of the season against West Ham, and they even looked like they were enjoying themselves when they beat Shrewsbury in the FA Cup – that has not happened very often at Molineux recently.
Newcastle have got a few players out, with Jacob Murphy the latest to be injured in their Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City in midweek.
Eddie Howe’s side have climbed to sixth on the back of three straight league wins, but after this they have a huge Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday – so it will be interesting to see what team he picks here.
Every game is important for Newcastle, but Howe will need to rest some players at some point. If he does it here, it could cost them. I’ve changed my mind a few times about the outcome of this one, but I am going to go for a draw.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
It must be such a wonderful time to be an Aston Villa fan – they have been on an incredible run and their one defeat in their past 15 games, at Arsenal at the end of the year, has not affected their confidence.
Villa drew 0-0 at Everton at the start of the season, but their form has picked up a lot since then – they have stacks of belief, and they have lots of goals in them too.
Everton will have Jack Grealish back from suspension to face his old club, which is a boost for them and him.
David Moyes certainly won’t make it easy for Villa, but I’m still expecting them to win.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Monday, 19 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Antoine Semenyo is a huge big miss for Bournemouth now he has joined Manchester City, but they are still an attack-minded team and I always fancy them to score.
Brighton are the same, in that they look dangerous when they come forward but can also appear very open.
So, this should be a very entertaining game and we should see a few goals too. I just can’t pick a winner.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-2
How did Sutton get on in the FA Cup?
Chris correctly picked the winner in 21 of the 31 third-round ties to have been played so far – Salford versus Swindon was postponed and takes place next week.
He got the better of his guest, DJ and producer Shadow Child, who started strongly before going for a few too many shocks – and ended up with 16 correct predictions.
AI did better by avoiding predicting pretty much any surprise results whatsoever, for a score of 22, but it is the BBC readers who lead the way as things stand, with a tally of 23.
Unsurprisingly, Chris, Shadow Child, AI and most of you lot did not see Macclesfield’s amazing victory over Crystal Palace coming… BUT out of 25,000 predictions, more than 1,200 of you did back the Silkmen. Well done to whoever got that one right.
How did Sutton do last time in the Premier League?
Chris got four correct results from the 10 midweek Premier League matches in week 21 [which took place 6-8 January] with no exact scores, for a total of 40 points.
That was enough to beat the BBC readers, who got two correct results with no exact scores, giving them 20 points.
AI did a bit better, with four correct scores including one exact result, meaning it ended up on 70 points.
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton already has enough on his plate trying to get the better of AI at predictions, but now he has a WWE superstar on his case too.
Newly crowned WWE world champion Drew McIntyre, a Rangers fan, has clashed with former Celtic striker Sutton in the past over their Old Firm allegiances.
We would love to see them meet in the wrestling ring but, for now, they will attempt to outdo each other – as well as the BBC readers and AI – by trying to pick the right results for the weekend’s 10 Premier League matches.
Drew will make his predictions on Friday and we’ll bring them to you. Do you agree with Sutton’s scores? You can pick your own below.
The most popular scoreline selected for each game is used in the scoreboards and tables at the bottom of this page.
WWE
McIntyre is in the UK for the WWE Live Road to Royal Rumble Tour, which continues in Newcastle on Thursday, and you can watch each event on Netflix.
He landed the WWE world crown for the third time in Berlin last week, but his latest success did not impress Sutton too much.
“Drew is getting on a bit now,” Sutton said. “Is he really world champion again at his age?
“Fair play to him for winning it but if he wants to fight me when he’s over here then I’d probably give him a tougher test than the people he beat to get his belt.
“Honestly, I reckon I would cause him a problem or two. He’s all dumbbells and muscles – I’ve got the greater all-round core strength… and more brains as well.
“But, let’s face it, he has to win things himself because his football club don’t win a lot.”
Chris Sutton was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
BT Sport
Premier League predictions
Saturday, 17 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Well, I know who is going to win this. I’m just not sure about the score.
What on earth is going on at Manchester United? It just seems like they are making it up as they go along.
I don’t get the thinking at Old Trafford, so I’m probably wrong here, but it looks to me like they are waiting to try to get England boss Thomas Tuchel in the summer, or maybe even United States manager Mauricio Pochettino – who could also be free after the World Cup.
In the meantime, here we are with United treading water again. It would have been interesting if Darren Fletcher had won the two games when he was manager – would he still be in charge?
We will have to see how caretaker boss Michael Carrick lines United up – whether he plays with a back four and what shape he will use – but I don’t see it making much difference against Manchester City.
I was at St James’ Park on Tuesday and City were really comfortable against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. That was the first time I’ve seen Rayan Cherki in the flesh and when he came on you could tell what an intelligent footballer he is.
Erling Haaland has only scored once, a penalty, in his past six games and he did not get on the scoresheet when City scored 10 against Exeter in the FA Cup.
So he is due a goal, and he usually gets at least one against United – he has scored eight in six league games against them – so they need to find a way of stopping him this time.
This is such a tough start for Carrick. I am going to give United a goal for their fans to get excited about, but City will still take the points pretty easily.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-3
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea looked a bit like Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea against Arsenal, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez playing out from the back.
It seems they have got a new manager who is going to play the same way as their old one, but is Rosenior going to be a stickler for doing it at all costs the way Maresca was?
It finished 2-2 when these sides met earlier in the season, and it will be close this time too.
Brentford are on such a good run that has seem them climb to fifth, three places above Chelsea, but I still fancy the Blues at Stamford Bridge even though they have only won one of their past five games there.
Rosenior was without several players through injury, illness and suspension against the Gunners, but he will be hoping to have a few of them back for this one.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Leeds lost out to a bizarre stoppage-time own goal at Craven Cottage in September, but they look a different team now – they have come on so much.
Mind you, so have Fulham. The only time Harry Wilson has failed to score recently is when I put him in my Fantasy team, and while I thought they would struggle when some of their players went to the Africa Cup of Nations, the opposite has happened – they have been excellent.
I’d usually back Leeds to win at home, but Fulham have proved they can nick a goal and a result on the road so I am going to sit on the fence here.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Burnley have picked up three draws in their past five league games so they have not given up the fight against the drop, but they have now gone 12 league games without a win and you have to think they have had it.
You still don’t really know what kind of performance you are going to get from Liverpool, and they huffed and puffed a little bit to get past Barnsley in the FA Cup, but I am still going to back them here.
Liverpool needed a stoppage-time Mohamed Salah penalty to win at Turf Moor in September, but I can see it being a lot more comfortable for Arne Slot’s side this time.
I remember when Burnley boss Scott Parker lost 9-0 with Bournemouth at Anfield in 2022, and he was sacked the next day.
I don’t see his side shipping as many goals this time, but Parker is going to be under pressure until the Clarets win again. Maybe that will happen when they are at home to Tottenham next week, because they are not getting anything here.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Crystal Palace have not won any of their past nine games in all competitions, and their FA Cup defeat at Macclesfield was a huge embarrassment.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made changes for that tie which did not work, and the squad depth is clearly not there to cope with this busy time of the season.
Looking at Sunderland’s results, they were not exactly in great form either before they beat Everton in a penalty shootout to reach round four.
The Black Cats are without a win in five league games but the difference with Palace is that they drew four of them and, importantly, they also played well in most of those matches too.
Regis le Bris’s side have been so strong at home that, along with Palace’s poor form, I really have to back them here.
As their fans keep on pointing out, I’ve not done too well at predicting Sunderland scores this season, but I will get one of their results right soon… surely!
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
They are calling this ‘El Sackio’, because both managers are under so much pressure.
Tottenham’s home form is miserable, with two wins in 10 league games, and there is so much angst amongst their fans at the moment.
Similarly, West Ham’s players are probably better off away from home right now because of the animosity from their supporters inside their own stadium, but their away record is just as atrocious with only one win in 10.
This is one of those games where I like to wheel out one of my favourite sayings in football – these two teams have been so bad recently that they both could lose.
It’s certainly hard to make a case for either of them to win it. I am going to go with Spurs, because new signing Conor Gallagher has plenty of energy and will add some thrust and drive to their midfield.
But it’s a lot easier to predict that it will be a dismal game, with Tottenham booed off after a bang-average performance that means Thomas Frank is still under pressure despite winning.
As for Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, he is just going to be in even greater danger of getting the sack.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Nottingham Forest are out of the FA Cup, but by far their biggest result last week was their win at relegation rivals West Ham to end a four-game losing streak in the league.
I don’t see Sean Dyche’s side getting anything here, though. They lost their two previous home games, against Manchester City and Everton, and Arsenal will make it a hat-trick of home defeats.
This is the sort of game that Mikel Arteta’s side seem to know how to win. It might be close, but I’d still back the Gunners to find a way.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Sunday, 18 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
This is a tough one to call because Wolves will feel like they have a little bit of momentum at last, while I am wondering where Newcastle will get their energy from – and how many fit players they have got left.
Wolves are three games unbeaten in the league, including their first win of the season against West Ham, and they even looked like they were enjoying themselves when they beat Shrewsbury in the FA Cup – that has not happened very often at Molineux recently.
Newcastle have got a few players out, with Jacob Murphy the latest to be injured in their Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City in midweek.
Eddie Howe’s side have climbed to sixth on the back of three straight league wins, but after this they have a huge Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday – so it will be interesting to see what team he picks here.
Every game is important for Newcastle, but Howe will need to rest some players at some point. If he does it here, it could cost them. I’ve changed my mind a few times about the outcome of this one, but I am going to go for a draw.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
It must be such a wonderful time to be an Aston Villa fan – they have been on an incredible run and their one defeat in their past 15 games, at Arsenal at the end of the year, has not affected their confidence.
Villa drew 0-0 at Everton at the start of the season, but their form has picked up a lot since then – they have stacks of belief, and they have lots of goals in them too.
Everton will have Jack Grealish back from suspension to face his old club, which is a boost for them and him.
David Moyes certainly won’t make it easy for Villa, but I’m still expecting them to win.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Monday, 19 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Antoine Semenyo is a huge big miss for Bournemouth now he has joined Manchester City, but they are still an attack-minded team and I always fancy them to score.
Brighton are the same, in that they look dangerous when they come forward but can also appear very open.
So, this should be a very entertaining game and we should see a few goals too. I just can’t pick a winner.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-2
How did Sutton get on in the FA Cup?
Chris correctly picked the winner in 21 of the 31 third-round ties to have been played so far – Salford versus Swindon was postponed and takes place next week.
He got the better of his guest, DJ and producer Shadow Child, who started strongly before going for a few too many shocks – and ended up with 16 correct predictions.
AI did better by avoiding predicting pretty much any surprise results whatsoever, for a score of 22, but it is the BBC readers who lead the way as things stand, with a tally of 23.
Unsurprisingly, Chris, Shadow Child, AI and most of you lot did not see Macclesfield’s amazing victory over Crystal Palace coming… BUT out of 25,000 predictions, more than 1,200 of you did back the Silkmen. Well done to whoever got that one right.
How did Sutton do last time in the Premier League?
Chris got four correct results from the 10 midweek Premier League matches in week 21 [which took place 6-8 January] with no exact scores, for a total of 40 points.
That was enough to beat the BBC readers, who got two correct results with no exact scores, giving them 20 points.
AI did a bit better, with four correct scores including one exact result, meaning it ended up on 70 points.
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton already has enough on his plate trying to get the better of AI at predictions, but now he has a WWE superstar on his case too.
Newly crowned WWE world champion Drew McIntyre, a Rangers fan, has clashed with former Celtic striker Sutton in the past over their Old Firm allegiances.
We would love to see them meet in the wrestling ring but, for now, they will attempt to outdo each other – as well as the BBC readers and AI – by trying to pick the right results for the weekend’s 10 Premier League matches.
Drew will make his predictions on Friday and we’ll bring them to you. Do you agree with Sutton’s scores? You can pick your own below.
The most popular scoreline selected for each game is used in the scoreboards and tables at the bottom of this page.
WWE
McIntyre is in the UK for the WWE Live Road to Royal Rumble Tour, which continues in Newcastle on Thursday, and you can watch each event on Netflix.
He landed the WWE world crown for the third time in Berlin last week, but his latest success did not impress Sutton too much.
“Drew is getting on a bit now,” Sutton said. “Is he really world champion again at his age?
“Fair play to him for winning it but if he wants to fight me when he’s over here then I’d probably give him a tougher test than the people he beat to get his belt.
“Honestly, I reckon I would cause him a problem or two. He’s all dumbbells and muscles – I’ve got the greater all-round core strength… and more brains as well.
“But, let’s face it, he has to win things himself because his football club don’t win a lot.”
Chris Sutton was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
BT Sport
Premier League predictions
Saturday, 17 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Well, I know who is going to win this. I’m just not sure about the score.
What on earth is going on at Manchester United? It just seems like they are making it up as they go along.
I don’t get the thinking at Old Trafford, so I’m probably wrong here, but it looks to me like they are waiting to try to get England boss Thomas Tuchel in the summer, or maybe even United States manager Mauricio Pochettino – who could also be free after the World Cup.
In the meantime, here we are with United treading water again. It would have been interesting if Darren Fletcher had won the two games when he was manager – would he still be in charge?
We will have to see how caretaker boss Michael Carrick lines United up – whether he plays with a back four and what shape he will use – but I don’t see it making much difference against Manchester City.
I was at St James’ Park on Tuesday and City were really comfortable against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. That was the first time I’ve seen Rayan Cherki in the flesh and when he came on you could tell what an intelligent footballer he is.
Erling Haaland has only scored once, a penalty, in his past six games and he did not get on the scoresheet when City scored 10 against Exeter in the FA Cup.
So he is due a goal, and he usually gets at least one against United – he has scored eight in six league games against them – so they need to find a way of stopping him this time.
This is such a tough start for Carrick. I am going to give United a goal for their fans to get excited about, but City will still take the points pretty easily.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-3
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea looked a bit like Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea against Arsenal, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez playing out from the back.
It seems they have got a new manager who is going to play the same way as their old one, but is Rosenior going to be a stickler for doing it at all costs the way Maresca was?
It finished 2-2 when these sides met earlier in the season, and it will be close this time too.
Brentford are on such a good run that has seem them climb to fifth, three places above Chelsea, but I still fancy the Blues at Stamford Bridge even though they have only won one of their past five games there.
Rosenior was without several players through injury, illness and suspension against the Gunners, but he will be hoping to have a few of them back for this one.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Leeds lost out to a bizarre stoppage-time own goal at Craven Cottage in September, but they look a different team now – they have come on so much.
Mind you, so have Fulham. The only time Harry Wilson has failed to score recently is when I put him in my Fantasy team, and while I thought they would struggle when some of their players went to the Africa Cup of Nations, the opposite has happened – they have been excellent.
I’d usually back Leeds to win at home, but Fulham have proved they can nick a goal and a result on the road so I am going to sit on the fence here.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Burnley have picked up three draws in their past five league games so they have not given up the fight against the drop, but they have now gone 12 league games without a win and you have to think they have had it.
You still don’t really know what kind of performance you are going to get from Liverpool, and they huffed and puffed a little bit to get past Barnsley in the FA Cup, but I am still going to back them here.
Liverpool needed a stoppage-time Mohamed Salah penalty to win at Turf Moor in September, but I can see it being a lot more comfortable for Arne Slot’s side this time.
I remember when Burnley boss Scott Parker lost 9-0 with Bournemouth at Anfield in 2022, and he was sacked the next day.
I don’t see his side shipping as many goals this time, but Parker is going to be under pressure until the Clarets win again. Maybe that will happen when they are at home to Tottenham next week, because they are not getting anything here.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Crystal Palace have not won any of their past nine games in all competitions, and their FA Cup defeat at Macclesfield was a huge embarrassment.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made changes for that tie which did not work, and the squad depth is clearly not there to cope with this busy time of the season.
Looking at Sunderland’s results, they were not exactly in great form either before they beat Everton in a penalty shootout to reach round four.
The Black Cats are without a win in five league games but the difference with Palace is that they drew four of them and, importantly, they also played well in most of those matches too.
Regis le Bris’s side have been so strong at home that, along with Palace’s poor form, I really have to back them here.
As their fans keep on pointing out, I’ve not done too well at predicting Sunderland scores this season, but I will get one of their results right soon… surely!
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
They are calling this ‘El Sackio’, because both managers are under so much pressure.
Tottenham’s home form is miserable, with two wins in 10 league games, and there is so much angst amongst their fans at the moment.
Similarly, West Ham’s players are probably better off away from home right now because of the animosity from their supporters inside their own stadium, but their away record is just as atrocious with only one win in 10.
This is one of those games where I like to wheel out one of my favourite sayings in football – these two teams have been so bad recently that they both could lose.
It’s certainly hard to make a case for either of them to win it. I am going to go with Spurs, because new signing Conor Gallagher has plenty of energy and will add some thrust and drive to their midfield.
But it’s a lot easier to predict that it will be a dismal game, with Tottenham booed off after a bang-average performance that means Thomas Frank is still under pressure despite winning.
As for Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, he is just going to be in even greater danger of getting the sack.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Nottingham Forest are out of the FA Cup, but by far their biggest result last week was their win at relegation rivals West Ham to end a four-game losing streak in the league.
I don’t see Sean Dyche’s side getting anything here, though. They lost their two previous home games, against Manchester City and Everton, and Arsenal will make it a hat-trick of home defeats.
This is the sort of game that Mikel Arteta’s side seem to know how to win. It might be close, but I’d still back the Gunners to find a way.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Sunday, 18 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
This is a tough one to call because Wolves will feel like they have a little bit of momentum at last, while I am wondering where Newcastle will get their energy from – and how many fit players they have got left.
Wolves are three games unbeaten in the league, including their first win of the season against West Ham, and they even looked like they were enjoying themselves when they beat Shrewsbury in the FA Cup – that has not happened very often at Molineux recently.
Newcastle have got a few players out, with Jacob Murphy the latest to be injured in their Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City in midweek.
Eddie Howe’s side have climbed to sixth on the back of three straight league wins, but after this they have a huge Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday – so it will be interesting to see what team he picks here.
Every game is important for Newcastle, but Howe will need to rest some players at some point. If he does it here, it could cost them. I’ve changed my mind a few times about the outcome of this one, but I am going to go for a draw.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
It must be such a wonderful time to be an Aston Villa fan – they have been on an incredible run and their one defeat in their past 15 games, at Arsenal at the end of the year, has not affected their confidence.
Villa drew 0-0 at Everton at the start of the season, but their form has picked up a lot since then – they have stacks of belief, and they have lots of goals in them too.
Everton will have Jack Grealish back from suspension to face his old club, which is a boost for them and him.
David Moyes certainly won’t make it easy for Villa, but I’m still expecting them to win.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Monday, 19 January
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Antoine Semenyo is a huge big miss for Bournemouth now he has joined Manchester City, but they are still an attack-minded team and I always fancy them to score.
Brighton are the same, in that they look dangerous when they come forward but can also appear very open.
So, this should be a very entertaining game and we should see a few goals too. I just can’t pick a winner.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-2
How did Sutton get on in the FA Cup?
Chris correctly picked the winner in 21 of the 31 third-round ties to have been played so far – Salford versus Swindon was postponed and takes place next week.
He got the better of his guest, DJ and producer Shadow Child, who started strongly before going for a few too many shocks – and ended up with 16 correct predictions.
AI did better by avoiding predicting pretty much any surprise results whatsoever, for a score of 22, but it is the BBC readers who lead the way as things stand, with a tally of 23.
Unsurprisingly, Chris, Shadow Child, AI and most of you lot did not see Macclesfield’s amazing victory over Crystal Palace coming… BUT out of 25,000 predictions, more than 1,200 of you did back the Silkmen. Well done to whoever got that one right.
How did Sutton do last time in the Premier League?
Chris got four correct results from the 10 midweek Premier League matches in week 21 [which took place 6-8 January] with no exact scores, for a total of 40 points.
That was enough to beat the BBC readers, who got two correct results with no exact scores, giving them 20 points.
AI did a bit better, with four correct scores including one exact result, meaning it ended up on 70 points.
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