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Overlook the usual derbies, the big match this weekend is the BBC pundit taking on AI chatbot Copilot.

Sutton claimed on this week's football discussion that he is "smarter than artificial intelligence" and the stats do support him, particularly regarding result forecasting at any rate.

He's in first place on the BBC pundit scoreboard to date, securing victory on three occasions during the initial month – and he's outperformed artificial intelligence every time.

"I am 4-0 up on AI – I'm unsure if it experiences stress, but it ought to," Sutton commented. "Furthermore, why ignore the most reliable resource? I'm that source. if it wants to do better, perhaps it ought to mimic my approach?

AI, however, disagrees about the pundit's mental edge, and seems to suggest that it is a bit early for him to be celebrating.

When asked 'are you worried that Chris Sutton is cleverer than you?' Copilot replied "not at all".

And upon inquiry 'does Sutton outperform you in forecasting?', it replied with assurance.

"As time progresses, machine learning often advances by processing additional inputs and refines its models," the algorithm commented.

It went on: "Short term, the pundit's intuition and know-how may provide an advantage, notably in uncertain games.

"Over an extended period, artificial intelligence might dominate via steadiness and range, notably when analyzing countless fixtures."

The outcome will reveal who comes out on top, people or algorithm, throughout the campaign as Sutton is forecasting for every top-flight match in 2025-26, taking on followers plus several special participants as well as AI.

This upcoming weekend, he faces well-known supporters from both Merseyside clubs, before the 247th Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday.

English Football Forecasts

Matchday Five

Liverpool vs Everton

Anfield, 12:30 BST

Everton have started the season well. Their new signing has provided that creative spark during play and Beto is a tireless runner up front.

On top of that, you know David Moyes a tough team to score against.

Jurgen Klopp's team waited until the end again against Atletico Madrid and I do wonder about physical depletion.

However, options include multiple alternatives and, while they have not been at their best, they keep on finding a way to win. That's what I think will happen again here.

Sutton's prediction: Two-nil

James Skelly's prediction: Liverpool victory

Katherine Parlour's prediction: 1-2

James Walsh's prediction: Narrow home success

AI's prediction: Two-one

Seagulls against Spurs

Saturday afternoon

I was at Tottenham's European victory over Villarreal recently, and energy levels were low.

Spurs have started the season in a similar way to Liverpool, in that they have not always played that well but often securing points.

Their strengths include a solid defensive pairing, in Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who were both phenomenal against Villarreal.

Brighton are inconsistent but they play fearlessly and possess threatening forwards. They will take the game to Spurs, and I suspect they'll secure victory.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Skelly's prediction: Two-two

Parlour's prediction: 2-1

Walsh's prediction: 2-2

AI's prediction: Away victory

Sutton's performance in the fourth round?

The pundit achieved eight accurate forecasts lacking precise predictions in the matchday, earning him an 80-point haul.

That saw him outperform his opponent, musician Tommy, who managed six accurate calls.

AI finished further back – it managed five right outcomes.

Victories, ties and overall tally after week four

• Chris: 3 wins, zero shared results, 340 points
• Guests: One victory, no draws, 210 total
• Readers: No victories, not any shared results, 240 points
• AI: No wins, 0 ties, 230 points gathered