Dugout Discussion
17 January 2026 600 comments
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Buoyed by Manchester City’s defeat in the early kick-off, Arsenal will be hoping to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League this evening.

Their match at Nottingham Forest kicks off at 17:30 GMT.

TEAM NEWS

It became apparent in December that Mikel Arteta is averse to starting Bukayo Saka three times in a week. Now, even successive games seem to be beyond him.

Despite a rest against Portsmouth last weekend, and despite the upcoming UEFA Champions League game against Inter effectively being a dead rubber for the Gunners, Saka finds himself on the bench again this evening.

So too does Leandro Trossard, with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli coming in.

The other change from Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg is the return of David Raya at the expense of cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

There’s still no Piero Hincapie in the Gunners’ squad. Cristhian Mosqueraruled out for “weeks” by Arteta only on Tuesday – does make the bench, however.

Gabriel Magalhaes starts for the fourth time in 10 days.

Having savaged his second string after their performance in the FA Cup against Wrexham, Sean Dyche unsurprisingly goes back to his regulars this evening.

There’s just one change from Gameweek 21, with Ibrahima Sangare coming in for Omari Hutchinson.

LINE-UPS

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Dominguez, Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus.

Subs: Gunn, Morato, Awoniyi, Luiz, Ndoye, Hutchinson, Yates, McAtee, Savona.

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Saka, Jesus, Eze, Trossard, Merino, Havertz, Lewis-Skelly.

LIVE GAMEWEEK PAGE!

New to Fantasy Football Scout this season is the Live Gameweek page, which you can see on the side menu.

Here you can follow the scores, watch the defensive contribution (DefCon) points roll in, see who the leading players are for xG and more as the games play out, as seen below:

Saka benched again

price change predictions
600 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Wheres the guy who was spamming how bad United are before the deadline? Lol

  2. tucaoneo
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Sels has more points in this match than what he got me in 6 GWs combined. Not a joke.

    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      A lesson in picking players for the right fixtures

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        *for not the right fixtures

      2. fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        The real pro pundits are in the comments.

    2. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Got him in GW13 but GW15-GW21 has been a disaster with the Dubravka 11 pointer saving the day.

  3. Pomodoro
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    WC 22 has been a good play so far..
    If you went early on Palmer + 2 Chelsea, Bruno and Mbeumo well played.

    1. Pomodoro
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Even better if you were epically ballsy and captained one of them over Haaland!

  4. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Alison (dub)
    Clyne* mukiele gabriel (richards keane)
    Saka rice foden gordon (king)
    Tiago haland watkins

    3 fts, which ?

    A) alison clyne saka foden -4 to sanchez reinildo palmer bruno
    B) Clyne saka foden to timber enzo bruno
    C) alison clyne saka foden to sanchez/roefs/henderson timber enzo bruno

  5. diabydoesgallas
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Don’t get all the early transfers. Team value feels less important this year. I’d wait til the last minute given there’s a full schedule of midweek euro fixtures personally.

    1. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Imagine if Haaland in midweek breaks his leg

      1. Yes Ndidi
        • 6 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        He'd still lead the captain poll next GW

  6. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    I was annoyed that I didn’t buy Sanchez but having seen the highlights for the Chelsea game, Brentford should have scored 1 or 2 goals easily

    1. Captain Mal
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 24 days ago

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2025/12/13/burnley-v-fulham-team-news-robinson-returns?hc_page=3&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_27453786

      Still stand by this, the amount of clean sheets they've got (2nd best after Arsenal) is wild.

      1. Qaiss
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        Yep I agree

        Never watch them and think they look secure

  7. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    I think it's becoming more clear every week that Gabriel, Timber & Rice are the best Arsenal trio

    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Gabriel and Rice only. Timber is not worth it. Im an owner and obviously not spending a transfer to remove but hes not worth bringing in.

      1. Yes Ndidi
        • 6 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        2 is/are enough. Maybe if they double in 26 I'll get another one in, maybe a punt on Tross or someone, but for now leaving the spot open just in case

  8. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Could Bruno triple rise this week?

    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Hopefully not. The less the merrier.

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Surely not before Arsenal away?!

  9. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Good evening all!!

    Exact money!! Watkins Bruno G Alderete to
    Bruno F Thiago and Gudmundsson got a hit

    Bruno F and Thiago going up tonight

    A- Yes
    Or
    B- No

    Cheers all!!

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      *for a hit

    2. diabydoesgallas
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Wouldn’t do that, Bruno and Watkins haven’t even played yet.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        Cheers mate can Easily roll again too

    3. Punned It
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 24 days ago

      I quite fancy keeping Gruno for the rest of the season.

  10. R Whites
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    2 FTs, I’m thinking Foden, Cunha to Bruno F, Enzo?

    Mid is currently- rice, wilson, foden, cunha, rogers

    Not 100% sure on enzo, but with 7.7m there doesn’t seem many other options. Feel missed the boat on Bruno G.

    Pull trigger, or any other mids?

    1. diabydoesgallas
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Chelsea fan here, I would wait to see how enzo is used by Rosenior before bringing him in. He’s a big fan of andrey santos so that could complicate things.

      1. R Whites
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        Yes had similar thoughts. Do you think palmer is worth the price tag?

  11. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    This Saka guy is really annoying.

    1. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Hahahahahaha

    2. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Easy sell

  12. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Saka to Bruno this week or next?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Next

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Just do it. I got him before the deadline for his 8 points. The games are so unpredictable atm.

  13. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Alison (dub)
    Clyne* mukiele gabriel (richards keane)
    Saka rice foden gordon (king)
    Tiago haland watkins

    3 fts, which ?

    A) alison clyne saka foden -4 to sanchez reinildo palmer bruno, exact 0.0
    B) alison clyne saka foden -4 to sanchez/roefs/henderson timber enzo bruno

  14. Koflok
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    How's this move? 2 FTs 0m ITB

    This GW : Saka Cunha to Rice BrunoF
    Next GW : Foden > Enzo / Wirtz

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Just Cunha to Rice if possible. Otherwise wait.

      1. Koflok
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        Yeah would do that but already have 3 Arsenal.

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      I prefer Wirtz over Enzo if money is no issue.

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Yep good long term holds.

  15. Ady87
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Keane/Saka > Chalobah/Palmer were my transfers this week, nice to see it paid off.

    In the US and missed the Manchester derby - I benched Foden and started Cunha - who are people selling Foden for? Anyone doubling on United mids?

    Only watched the highlights but looked like Cunha could have hauled in his cameo if not for VAR.

  16. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    If foden has a broken hand would that rule him out of games?

    Surely just strap it up?

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      I thought he always has a broken hand, always bandaged. Bit like Saka's limp...

    2. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      It's Wolves at home, & they're not exactly short in that department. I'd say that's a perfect excuse to rest him for a week.

  17. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    keep or sell foden ? so annoying they play wolves next...

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      I plan on keeping for Wolves and then get rid.

  18. PartyTime
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Hahahahaa bum pick Saka getting sold by so many managers. This game was the final nail on the coffin for many 🙂

  19. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    There really are no better points than jammy double digit bench points. Period...

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      O’Reilly owners got vegemite!

    2. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      The guy that's just overtaken me in ML started Nunes & Guehi, and has Dorgu 2nd bench. If you don't laugh, you'd cry.

  20. el polako
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Will Dorgu keep his place in the starting XI?

  21. Gazzpfc
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Wirtz the most inform midfielder in the game but always overlooked

    1. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Top player unlike Szoboszlai

  22. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Nico O’Reilly with a -1pt performance, begs the question.

    How are O’Reilly owners feeling?

    1. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Waiting for the 15 pointer that was promised.

  23. JT11fc
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    How to fund Foden to Bruno?

    1. Bowen to cheap forward but not sure who

    2. Nunes to 5.1 def

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Bowen > Mane

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        Thanks

  24. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Eze was sold a dream, a shame his football is suffering,

    1. PartyTime
      • 4 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      If only he chose Bayern like Olise

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      I had a dream last night I was friends with former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Adern, and we were in the same aerobics class! Afterwards, as I was sitting reading the daily broadsheet, she asked me for her water bottle, which was sequestered down the side of mine light-tanned vinyl upholstered single chair! Even though we were friends, the toothsome politician then asked for a selfie with yours truly, and I was happy to oblige!

  25. PartyTime
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Salah should be available next GW. Afcon journey ended today.

  26. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Exact money to do Foden > Burno F (no European football). Do it?

    1. el polako
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Yes

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      We’ve already done it!

  27. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Triggered my wildcard. Pretty excited about it.

    Roefs - Dubravka
    Gabriel - Saliba - Chalobah - Guehi - Dorgu
    Fernandes - Rice - Enzo - Mbeumo - Rogers
    Haaland - Watkins - João Pedro

    Thoughts? Probably going to leave it then come back to it prior to the deadline.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Nice one, I've got 8 out of those, so will probably will survive without WC-ing now 😛

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      No palmer?

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        Ooh good shout

  28. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Easy save?

    Dubravka
    Nunes Gabriel Tarkowski
    Saka Bruno G Rogers Rice
    Haaland Bowen DCL

    Martinez Enzo Alderate Thiaw

  29. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Easy save right?

    Verbruggen
    Gabriel - VdV - Reinildo
    Saka - Palmer - Bruno Fernandes - Rogers - Gordon
    Haaland - Watkins

    John - Richards - Barnes - Gudmundsson

    Nothing in the bank.

    Look to get 2 more Chelsea with 2 FTs in 24. Sound?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      Yep

      1. pundit of punts
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 24 days ago

        Ta

  30. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 24 days ago

    Which one would you do?
    A) Foden —> Bruno
    B) Foden —> Palmer
    C) Saka —> Bruno
    D) Saka —> Palmer
    E) Saka & Foden —> Palmer & Bruno

    Team:
    Verbruggen
    Timber Gabriel Andersen
    Saka Foden Tavernier LeFee
    Haaland Ekitike Thiago

    Areola Devenny VanDenBerg Keane
    (4FTs & 2.6itb)

    1. R Whites
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 24 days ago

      E