Scout Notes
25 January 2026 347 comments
avfc82 avfc82
Share:

Nottingham Forest recorded a surprise 2-0 victory at Brentford on Sunday, with Brazilian striker Igor Jesus (£5.8m) overshadowing his compatriot Igor Thiago (£7.2m).

Here are our Scout Notes from the Gtech Community Stadium.

THIAGO BLANK

Only three teams have earned more points at home than Brentford in 2025/26.

But Keith Andrews’ team, who saw a six-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League come to an end at Stamford Bridge last week, failed to capitalise on their first-half dominance on Sunday, suffering their first defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium since Gameweek 7.

In a disappointing attacking display, they squandered three Opta-defined ‘big chances’, failing to find the net for the second consecutive match.

Falling well below their usual high standards in west London, they also failed to register a single shot on target after the break.

Captained by over 390,000 managers, Thiago had opportunities but missed one of those previously mentioned big chances when he shot wide from Kevin Schade’s (£7.2m) cross.

A subsequent attempt was stabbed wide from a tight angle, but apart from that, he frequently found himself isolated in the final-third, with the impressive Nikola Milenkovic (£5.1m) and Murillo (£5.2m) firmly on top.

“We didn’t feed him enough and he’s closely marked now, everyone knows about him and how he plays, so we need to find new ways to provide service for him.” – Keith Andrews on Igor Thiago

Some of Brentford’s other best chances arose from Michael Kayode’s (£4.5m) throw-ins, with substitute Sepp van den Berg (£4.5m) heading just past the near post on the stroke of half-time.

AJER + DAMSGAARD INJURIES

Brentford were forced into a pair of early changes on Sunday, with Kristoffer Ajer (£4.4m) and Mikkel Damsgaard (£5.7m) both suffering injuries.

“Kristoffer is an ankle injury, and Dams is a knee injury. We’ll see over the next day or two once we’ve calmed things down. They’ll have scans and hopefully we can get some positive news on that front.” – Keith Andrews on Kristoffer Ajer and Mikkel Damsgaard

Before his withdrawal, Damsgaard impressed.

“Dams was playing well in the game. He was looking back to his brilliant best, playing between the lines and looking to create. It’s the best part of his game, when he’s on that type of form, finding areas where he can be effective.” – Keith Andrews on Mikkel Damsgaard

Van den Berg and Dango Ouattara (£5.8m) were the two to replace them.

The former has had to be patient recently, with Ajer forming a solid partnership with Nathan Collins (£5.0m) at the back. Ajer’s injury, however, may provide van den Berg with an opportunity to reclaim his spot.

As for Ouattara, he racked up three shots (see image below), three chances created and 1.35 expected goal involvement (xGI) in just an hour of football, the most of any player in Gameweek 23 so far.

Above: Dango Ouattara’s goal attempts (shots on target in green) in Gameweek 23

ANOTHER FOREST CLEAN SHEET

Forest recorded a hard-fought win here and have now kept back-to-back clean sheets, having held Arsenal to a goalless draw last week.

Given Brentford’s home form, plus the fact that Forest played in Portugal on Thursday, they deserve real credit.

It’s now five clean sheets in 15 Premier League matches under Sean Dyche, a period which has seen them concede only 26 big chances, the third-fewest of any team.

Jesus’ superb volley put Forest in front on Sunday, before substitute Taiwo Awoniyi (£5.2m) added a second.

Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.3m) supplied the assist for the latter’s strike and has now produced an attacking return in each of his last three away matches.

The goals from Jesus and Awoniyi arrive after Forest added another centre-forward, Lorenzo Lucca, to their squad on Friday.

“It’s the thing with football, you bring a striker in and then your strikers score. Sometimes that’s just the way it is. That competitive element is almost subliminal – that’s why managers do it across the board. When you bring in the freshness of different players, it often kicks others into life. I don’t think they needed that, I must say.” – Sean Dyche

Elsewhere, five Forest players banked defensive contribution (DefCon) points: Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams (£4.7m), Ibrahim Sangare (£4.9m) and Elliot Anderson (£5.3m).

Anderson has now secured DefCon in seven successive matches.

Douglas Luiz (£4.9m), meanwhile, missed out due to illness.


347 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. zensum
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 8 days ago

    Hi Guys
    Which two would u play next week:
    A) Rice
    B) Thiago
    C) Wilson

    Appreciate your reasons and help.

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Currently AC for me

      Could easily backfire though

    2. JohnnyB10
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 8 days ago

      A and C, don’t see Thiago scoring.

  2. _Greg
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 8 days ago

    Ekitike to JP -4

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Tough, wouldn't mind getting 7.1

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Not for a hit. Ekitike was just rested, and Newcastle isn't exactly watertight

      Maybe for free next GW?

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Not for a -4
      Ekitike should be nailed going forwards
      Newcastle are poor away
      Might be a new manager soon

      1. fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Everyone on the verge of being sacked. Frank, Slot, Howe, Glasner (whatever he's up to), Dyche and Nuno are fighting it out every week, Parker is somehow still in a job...jeez

  3. KeanosMagic
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 8 days ago

    Would you BB this?

    Roefs Dubravka
    Gabriel Timber Chalobah Tarkowski Dorgu
    Bruno Mbeumo Palmer Enzo Rice
    Haaland Kroupi Mane

    1. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      No.

      Bench boost? Why now?

      1. Bennerman
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        "Get it out of the way"?

      2. KeanosMagic
        • 4 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        On paper they all look like they have decent-ish fixtures

        1. Bennerman
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Well go for it.
          If you don't have plans or aspirations for it later.
          Which I do.

  4. afsr
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 8 days ago

    2FTs to spend, already have Bruno F and Dorgu from popular buys but no Chelsea.

    Attacking lineup is
    Rice, Rogers, Foden, Bruno F, Miley
    Haaland, Watkins, Thiago

    A - Foden, Dalot -> Mbeumo, Chalobah
    B - Foden, Dalot, Thiago -> Mbeumo, Chalobah, JPedro (-4)
    C - Foden, Thiago -> Enzo, JPedro
    D - Foden, Miley, Dalot -> Mbeumo, Enzo, Chalobah (-4)

    1. afsr
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Chalobah could also be Cucurella, got 3.2 ITB

    2. zensum
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      C
      Wouldn’t move Dalot

      1. afsr
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Why not? If Dorgu's not injured and it's a cramp then he'll surely keep playing and be the most attacking defender even if he plays full back

  5. Make FPL Casual Again
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 8 days ago

    When is Timbers goal added ?

    1. Bennerman
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      When you add the possessive apostrophe.

      1. Make FPL Casual Again
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Ok nerd

        1. Bennerman
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Pleb.

          1. Make FPL Casual Again
            • 7 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Posh nerd...

            Little lord fonteroy

            1. Bennerman
              • 7 Years
              2 months, 8 days ago

              At least know what you're on about.

              I was not well off when I was brought up but I learned things. And I endeavoured to do so.

              1. Make FPL Casual Again
                • 7 Years
                2 months, 8 days ago

                Those big words sound impressive

                1. Bennerman
                  • 7 Years
                  2 months, 8 days ago

                  Only he who yearns for the impressive can be impressed.

                  1. Make FPL Casual Again
                    • 7 Years
                    2 months, 8 days ago

                    Be like water my friend

      2. Make FPL Casual Again
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        2 vote ups? We have the grammar nerd crew out in force tonight on an fpl message forum ?

        1. Bennerman
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          You said this. Live with it forever:

          Little lord fonteroy

    2. afsr
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Hopefully never

      1. Make FPL Casual Again
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        So you're saying there's a chance..?

  6. BR510
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Verbruggen Dub
      Gabriel Tark Thiaw Andersen Dorgu
      Saka Bruno F Rice Enzo Tav*
      Haalad Ekitike Barnes
      1FT 1.3 itb

      Ekitike to:
      1. JP
      2. Evanilson
      3. Thiago

      1. afsr
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Going for JP myself

    • Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      JP or Evanilson?

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Can’t see past next 4, JP

      2. JohnnyB10
        • 1 Year
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Evanilson

    • g40steve
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Play Kelleher or Dubs?

    • hawkeyes
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 8 days ago

      Dubravka Roefs
      Saka Enzo Foden Wilson Paqueta
      Thiago Halaand Ekiteke

      Help please, with 2 free transfers:

      A) Bruno + Pedro for Foden + Ekiteke
      B) Bruno + KDH for Foden + Paqueta
      C) Bruno + Ndiaye + Pedro for Foden + Paqueta + Ekiteke (for a -4)
      D) Bruno + KDH + Watkins for Foden + Paqueta + Ekiteke (for a -4)

    • BR510
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Thoughts on Ekitike and Tavernier to JP and Mbeumo? Need to do today before 0.3 price swing. Risks are whether Pedro starts against Napoli and benched against West Ham

      • Iceball
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        3ft
        Szoboslai Ekiteke Stach to Mbuemo Kroupi Semenyo, excact funds tonight?

        1. Freshy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Seems good to me

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          I'd go Mane over Kroupi. I prefer my bench 8th attacker to be good for mins and Mane has an added benefit of potentially having a double in GW26/27 if Arsenal make the league cup final.

        3. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
          • 4 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Maybe do Mane instead of Kroupi? But otherwise very nice

      • Manani
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Rogers > Enzo?

        1. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
          • 4 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          I'd try to keep Rogers. He looked good today I thought. Had a nice shot saved by Pope, was pleasantly surprised by the DCs too

      • fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Timber had a xGI of 0.01 against United. Was also 0.01 inches off a goal and assist if you believe the folks on here.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Just shows xGI isn't everything. A player that just misses being on the end of a cross gets 0 xG

      • Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Please pick 3fts
        A) saka & foden to bruno & mbeumo/enzo
        B) foden & etieke to bruno & pedro
        C) foden, saka & etieke to bruno/mbeumbo/neto
        D) fofen & vdv to bruno & hill (bou).

        1. Cheeky Reijnders
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Foden, Saka, Ekitike > Fruno, Estevao, Pedro.

      • Taegugk Warrior
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        JP or Enzo…?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Enzo but planning both on my wc

      • DandyDon
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Which sideways more is more crucial!?

        A)Foden - Semenyo
        B)Cunha - Mbuemo

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          A

      • Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Ekitike Stach > JP Mbeumo for free?

        Need to do now else priced out and Evanilson instead of JP

      • Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Sorry repost - 3fts
        A) saka & foden to bruno & mbeumo/enzo
        B) foden & etieke to bruno & pedro
        C) foden, saka & etieke to bruno/mbeumbo/PEDRO
        D) fofen & vdv to bruno & hill (bou).

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          B

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 5 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Cheers

        2. Cheeky Reijnders
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Foden, Saka, Ekitike > Fruno, Estevao, Pedro.

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 5 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Like that

      • Bobbyg1
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Bruno G to Bruno F and

        NOR to Dorgu for free?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          isnt dorgu maybe injured?

          1. Bobbyg1
            • 14 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Ah right thanks. Didnt know that

      • Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        keep saka on wc or sell for mbeumo? also planning bruno f. cheers

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          I have 0 interest in Saka tbh. He's too expensive and hasn't been good for output in a while.

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Thats true but he always seems to punish me whenever I sell him...cheers

        2. Stranger Mings
          • 5 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Sell

      • Rednev1983
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Evening all.
        I have wildcarded into this Raya
        Chalobah, Gabriel, Senesi
        Bruno.F, Rogers, Rice, Enzo, Semonyo,
        Evanilson, Haaland.

        Dubravka, Thiago, Tarkowski, Guehi. 0.0 itb

        A few questions, would you change anything? Any glaring omissions or changes i could do?
        I really would like Mbeumo but can't see who i would take out of my midfield. Would anyone trade Semenyo for Mbeumo?
        Is J.Pedro worth consideration? And who to lose? Thiago points dried up & not great fixtures.
        Lastly, could someone please describe how this jumping on players on a wildcard to gain team value works?
        Appreciate any help. Apologies for long post.

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          A few questions, would you change anything? Any glaring omissions or changes i could do? LOOKS GOOD
          I really would like Mbeumo but can't see who i would take out of my midfield. Would anyone trade Semenyo for Mbeumo? ROGERS MAYBE?
          Is J.Pedro worth consideration? And who to lose? Thiago points dried up & not great fixtures.THIAGO . DOING THE SAME
          Lastly, could someone please describe how this jumping on players on a wildcard to gain team value works? YOU BASICALLY NEED TO BUY A PLAYER THAT WILL INCREASE BY 0.2 IN THE WEEK
          Appreciate any help. Apologies for long post. APOLOGIES FOR CAP LOCK, DIDNT MEANT TO SHOUT JUST TO MAKE MY ANSWERS OBVIOUS 🙂

          1. Rednev1983
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Hey thanks for the reply.

            Yes Rogers is probably the one but have a bit of money tied up in him.
            Glad you think the same on the Thiago to J.P move. I'll have to find 0.1 from somewhere. Shame Dorgu got injured.
            Appreciate the clarity on the last question. Thought that was it but for me hopping on & off will likely lose some value on players i already have.
            Thanks again.

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          That's a crazy bench imo. You're leaving so much money there every week. But I guess it means you can definitely roll to 5 FTs...

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Lol hadnt noticed the bench...yeah that's A LOT of money there

          2. Rednev1983
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Thanks for the reply.

            Yes i have so much team value that i tried to get what i thought was the best players to use it all.
            Yep the plan will be to roll the transfers, up to 5. Have i crazily spread the money? And should i fit some good budget options in?
            I know i'll have some benching headaches along the way but the selections look sensible.

        3. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
          • 4 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Very nice overall. Personally I wouldn't go for Senesi. If Dorgu continues to play left with and isn't injured I'd go for him instead. Does that also give you the money to upgrade Evanilson to JP? Cos if so, I'd definitely do that.

          1. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
            • 4 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            *left wing

          2. Rednev1983
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Thanks for the reply.

            So annoying with that Dorgu injury, I could of done Senesi to Dorgu & would of been able to get J.P.
            Would you get Dorgu & hold him until fit if injury isn't too bad. Senesi a bad pick because Bournmouth too leaky yes?
            Think i'll get J.P in. Who from my midfield would you swap for Mbeumo if any?

      • Manani
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        did Enzo looked good outside of the penalty?

        or is ppl betting on Palmer not playing for the next 4 GW?

      • Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        apart from benching headache straight away, thoughts on this wc team?
        raya (dub)
        gab chalobah dorgu (senesi alderete)
        bruno f mbeumo semenyo rice enzo
        haaland j pedro (kroupi j)

        1.6 itb for rainy days...

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          dorgu in there as I already own him

        2. Rednev1983
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Good team. I know that you don't have to spend all your budget but why keep the 1.6m back? do you have a plan for it? or just usefull to always have money to fall back on?

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            yep I cant see where I would upgrade. cheers

      • Jebiga
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        1. Wirtz and DCL out for Rogers and Joao Pedro

        Or

        2. DCL and O'Reilly to Joao Pedro and Keane

      • Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Dorgu had to be replaced with ten minutes remaining against Arsenal, but Carrick played down fears of a significant problem.

        "He came off with hopefully a little bit of cramp, but hopefully it's nothing worse," Carrick said.

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 5 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Thank god i benched him for both city & arsenal

      • Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Are people keeping saka?

        1. Manani
          • 14 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          switched him out to Rice last week

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 5 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Yeh wish i did - lost patience

        2. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          reluctantly selling on wc...

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 5 Years
            2 months, 8 days ago

            Easy decision on wc

        3. Cheeky Reijnders
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 months, 8 days ago

          Could ship out Saka & Haaland, if truth be told.
          Will I do both? Unlikely, as unnecessary atm.

      • MShalkz
        • 5 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Is this team worth Wildcarding out of? Very tempted to press the button tonight:

        Verbruggen, Dubravka*
        Gabriel*, Timber*, Alderete, VDV, Dorgu
        Enzo*, Saka, Minteh, Wilson, Wirtz
        Haaland*, Thiago, Ekitike

        *Asterisked the guys I'd probably keep on WC

      • Ruinenlust
        • 8 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Ekitike to JP - yes or no?

      • Bobbyg1
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Nor, Gruno and Ekitike to

        Kroupi, Semenyo and Fruno?

        3 fts

      • Cheeky Reijnders
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 months, 8 days ago

        Just done BrunoG > Estevao.
        Don't fancy Palmer right now and reckon he outscores Enzo in the next 'easy' fixtures despite restricted mins.
        Need to differentiate a little.