Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season. The BBC Sport football expert is up against AI, BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests. This week, the former Norwich City striker takes on boxing world champion Fabio Wardley.
Wardley defends his WBO heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois in Manchester on Saturday. Live commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live. Wardley is an Ipswich Town fan.
Sutton and Wardley Trade Barbs
Sutton and Wardley will battle over their score predictions. A verbal clash is also expected following Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League. Norwich, Sutton’s first club, finished ninth in the Championship.
Wardley said, “Chris would probably call himself a Norwich legend. That lot like to do that. We have already done the double over them in the Championship this season so if I can add one more notch on there by beating him too, then I’ll take that.”
Sutton responded, “Fabio looks a bit chubby to me. But I wish him the best in his fight and I am genuinely pleased his team have gone up – it’s quite close for me to get to Ipswich if I have to work there, and I hope they enjoy their season in the Premier League.”
Ipswich’s Promotion Celebrations
Ipswich clinched a top-flight return last weekend. Wardley’s preparations for his fight meant he could not join in the party at Portman Road or attend Monday’s promotion parade. He still celebrated their crucial 3-0 final-day win over QPR from afar.
Wardley told BBC Sport, “It’s really exciting for us to be back up there, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team. It was the first time in a long time I didn’t make it to the last game of the season, and I was gutted I couldn’t get to the parade either.”
He added, “I spoke to our chairman Mark Ashton and told him I was with the guys in spirit – but I’ve got my own job to tick off this weekend. They were more than understanding, and they will be there on Saturday night to support me as well.”
Wardley’s Ipswich Roots
Wardley was born in Ipswich and played for Town’s academy as a boy. He fought at Ipswich’s Portman Road ground and delivered a stunning, one-punch 10th-round knockout to stop Justis Huni.
Ipswich Look to the Future
Ipswich were promoted to the Premier League, but relegated after only one win in their final 19 matches. Wardley is confident things will be different next season.
He explained, “It didn’t go our way, but that season was still great for the club and for the whole area. Everyone was buzzing every time a big team w