Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Southampton

A new season, and a new challenge for BBC Sport's prediction expert Chris Sutton.

Sutton faced off against a guest for each of the 38 game weeks in 2023-24 and triumphed 21-10 (with seven draws) to secure his second predictions title in a row.

He will have a guest each week this time too, but now you can find out if you can do any better.

Sutton's opponent for the opening round of games is The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

This is another tough game for one of the promoted sides.

Newcastle have got some quality players and they are also such a powerful, physical and relentless outfit.

Southampton will know what is coming, but I am not sure they will be able to stop it happening.

Liam's prediction: 3-0

I heard a Southampton fan talking recently about whether they would rather be at the top of the Championship or in the Premier League getting trounced every week and he said he preferred to be in the Championship. I can understand why - I have gone for Newcastle to win this quite easily and it won't be much fun for Southampton if it turns out like this all the time - hopefully it won't.

Read all of this weekend's predictions