Sutton’s Predictions v Race Across the World Podcast Host Alfie Watts

Manchester City holds the record for the most consecutive FA Cup semi-finals, having reached eight from 2019 to 2026. Now, the club aims to break new ground by potentially becoming the first team to secure four consecutive finals. This Saturday, they face Championship side Southampton at Wembley in a match scheduled for 17:15 BST, broadcast live on BBC One and Radio 5 Live.

“It will be intriguing to observe whether Pep Guardiola adjusts his lineup significantly,” remarked BBC Sport’s football analyst Chris Sutton. “With their next fixture against Everton on 4 May, I believe he will maintain his current setup. However, regardless of his choices, the team will need to rekindle their form, reminiscent of their play before the Burnley game.”

Sutton’s Predictions

Chris Sutton is forecasting outcomes for all 380 Premier League matches this season, competing against AI models, BBC Sport readers, and various guests. For this weekend’s games, he is paired with Alfie Watts, co-host of the Race Across the World: The Detour visual podcast. Watts and Tyler West release weekly episodes every Thursday until 21 May, available on BBC iPlayer. Fans can compare their forecasts below.

Alfie Watts’ Perspective

Alfie Watts, a qualified referee operating in step three and four of the football pyramid—covering the Isthmian League and Southern League Premier Division—has a unique connection to Tottenham. He became the youngest winner of Race Across the World last year, triumphing in series four. Watts shared his background with BBC Sport: “I grew up near London Colney, where Arsenal and Watford train. My early refereeing experiences were at their academies, though my family had no interest in football. I supported Spurs because of my uncle’s closest friend, a lifelong fan.”

Watts expressed his current views on Tottenham’s league position: “I feel Spurs don’t deserve to stay up this season. If they do, it’s a bonus. I used to dread a loss, but as I’ve aged, I’ve become more lenient. Even if they drop, football will keep moving forward.”

Match Analysis

Sunderland’s recent performance against Aston Villa showcased their resilience, as they clawed back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw. This fighting spirit explains their strong season. Forest, meanwhile, scored four goals in their last outing against Burnley but face a tighter challenge against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The match is set for 20:00 BST, with a five-point gap between the teams in the league table.

“Sunderland’s performance last week hinted at their potential to secure a home win,” Sutton predicted. “They have a knack for coming back strong, and I suspect they’ll leave Forest with more work to do.”

“Alfie’s take is that Sunderland are formidable at home,” Sutton added. “Their ability to turn games around makes them a strong contender for this encounter.”

The AI-generated forecasts rely on Microsoft Copilot Chat, which was tasked with predicting weekend scores. In FA Cup semi-finals, ties go to extra time or penalties if scores are tied after 90 minutes. No replays are scheduled, making each match critical for progression.

Chris Sutton and Alfie Watts shared their insights with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan, highlighting the blend of expertise and personal passion shaping their predictions. The discussion underscores the anticipation around this weekend’s fixtures and the evolving dynamics of the Premier League race.