The Premier League weekend is here, and with it comes another round of high-stakes predictions from BBC Sport's Chris Sutton. This time, he's facing off against a pair of passionate Merseyside rivals: boxer and Everton fan Molly McCann, and The Boo Radleys frontman Sice Rowbottom, a devoted Liverpool supporter.
The spotlight shines brightest on Sunday's historic 248th Merseyside derby, the first to be played at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Sutton emphasizes the massive implications for Liverpool boss Arne Slot, stating a win is crucial for their Champions League ambitions. Can Everton spoil the party on their new ground, or will Liverpool claim bragging rights in a new era?
Adding a unique flavor to the predictions, Molly McCann isn't just talking the talk. The professional boxer, nicknamed 'Meatball,' is stepping into the ring in Liverpool on Saturday night before turning her attention to the football. Her fight kit, intriguingly, is crafted from old Everton shirts and derby memorabilia, blending her two worlds. A former footballer herself who once played for Liverpool's women's team, her insight comes from a rare perspective.
On the other side, Sice Rowbottom brings his Liverpool loyalty and a musical note, with The Boo Radleys' new album out soon. It's a classic clash of blue and red, analyzed through the lens of sport and celebrity fandom.
As Sutton, McCann, Rowbottom, BBC readers, and even AI lock in their scores for all the weekend's fixtures, the question remains: who will come out on top? You can test your own forecasting skills against them. Remember, a correct result is worth 10 points, but nail the exact scoreline for a 40-point bonanza. The most popular predictions will shape the leaderboards. Let the games begin.
