With artificial intelligence already sitting at the top of the BBC Sport prediction table via Microsoft Copilot Chat, Chris Sutton faces a unique challenge this weekend against a simulation powerhouse. The pundit is going head-to-head with Football Manager 27—the newest installment of the iconic simulation franchise set for release on 10 November—alongside Sports Interactive studio director Miles Jacobson. Under the contest rules, participants collect 10 points for guessing the correct match result and 40 points for forecasting an exact scoreline.
Ahead of the fixtures, Jacobson discussed significant updates arriving in FM27, notably the visual customization options that represent wheelchair-using managers for the very first time. Jacobson revealed he was moved to tears watching trial videos on Instagram of disabled gamers feeling seen in the game they love. The title also introduces a Tactical Effectiveness training system that mirrors real-life management transitions, with Jacobson drawing comparisons to Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner addressing his squad after their defeat against Brentford.
The weekend slate kicks off on Friday at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Frank Lampard returns to his former club as Everton host Coventry. Sutton tipped David Moyes' Everton side to earn a 2-0 victory against a brave Coventry outfit that has collected three league wins so far. Both the FM27 simulation engine and the AI agreed with Sutton's 2-0 scoreline, while Jacobson forecasted a 2-1 home triumph, praising the form of Thierno Barry and noting Coventry talent Jack Rudoni.
Saturday's schedule features Roberto de Zerbi's Tottenham travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds on the back of three straight wins. Both Sutton and Jacobson predicted a 1-1 draw, while FM27 predicted a 2-1 scoreline and AI went with 1-2. Later at Emirates Stadium, Sutton forecasted Arsenal to grind out a 2-0 win over Hull despite Bukayo Saka missing out through injury, with FM27 predicting 1-0 and Jacobson forecasting a 2-1 scoreline against an entertaining Hull team featuring Ollie McBurnie.