Scout Notes
26 January 2026 151 comments
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Two more Sunday matches to recap now, as we look back on Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea and Newcastle United 0-2 Aston Villa, including injury updates on Cole Palmer (£10.4m) and Bruno Guimaraes (£7.3m).

PALMER INJURY LATEST

Palmer was a notable absentee for Chelsea on Sunday, having previously missed his team’s UEFA Champions League victory over Pafos in midweek.

Liam Rosenior told Sky Sports that Palmer had “a little niggle” in his thigh.

“Unfortunately for us, Cole is not quite right for this one. I’ve said before that we want to make sure that every player is at 100% and there is no use risking players in January for what we want to achieve. He has a little niggle in his thigh and is not quite at 100% but he’s got a chance for Wednesday. Hopefully he is back for then.” – Liam Rosenior on Cole Palmer

Chelsea have a potentially must-win Champions League encounter against Napoli on Wednesday, so we’ll hear from Rosenior again before then.

ESTEVAO SUPERB, ENZO PEN

In the absence of Palmer, Enzo Fernandez (£6.7m) started in the No 10 position at Selhurst Park, with Estevao (£6.4m) and Pedro Neto (£7.1m) on the flanks.

The central midfield spot left vacant by Enzo was filled by Andrey Santos (£4.5m), who sometimes moved into the defensive line, a role he’s previously fulfilled for Rosenior at Strasbourg.

In their first Premier League away game under Rosenior, Estevao and Joao Pedro (£7.2m) put Chelsea on course for the three points, before Enzo stepped up to convert a contentious second-half penalty.

After scoring and providing an assist, Estevao was praised by his manager post-match:

“He is a player with special abilities, special talent. He’s been ill but every time he’s been on the pitch so far with me he’s been outstanding. Off the pitch, I know his family are here with him and the club have worked really hard to help him settle. I also know Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro have helped him settle into this country. On the pitch, with any 18-year-old, you have to manage his minutes, and manage the games which you think are the right moments for him to have an impact. I’ll keep doing that because I want him to have an outstanding season, and I want him to have an outstanding career as well.” – Liam Rosenior on Estevao

As for Pedro, he led the line at Selhurst Park and has now produced 20 points in his last two matches. With some excellent fixtures ahead (WHU/wol/LEE/BUR), the Brazilian is the third-most transferred-in player so far this week. However, with Liam Delap (£6.2m) lurking and a busy schedule ahead, there is a degree of week-to-week uncertainty surrounding his minutes.

MUNOZ + SARR RETURN… BUT PALACE’S MISERABLE RUN CONTINUES

Palace could once again call upon Daniel Munoz (£5.8m) and Ismaila Sarr (£6.3m) on Sunday, but their poor form continued, even if the scoreline didn’t really reflect the match.

A late goal from Chris Richards (£4.4m) was nothing more than a consolation for Oliver Glasner’s side, who had previously seen wantaway forward Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m) squander his 17th big chance of the season.

Sarr was wasteful too, though his case is arguably more understandable given his recent absence at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Should Palace regain some form, both Munoz and Sarr are likely to attract interest, particularly with back-to-back home matches against Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers next month.

Adam Wharton (£5.0m), meanwhile, will miss Gameweek 24 due to his dismissal for two yellow cards.

HOWE ON BRUNO G

Bruno Guimaraes missed out for Newcastle on Sunday after coming off with an ankle issue in the 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in midweek.

Eddie Howe is hopeful he will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Paris.

“We don’t think it’s too bad but not good enough for today. We hope he can be fit for our next game in midweek [PSG].” – Eddie Howe on Bruno Guimaraes

Lewis Miley (£4.5m) consequently replaced the Brazilian in central midfield, but Bruno “was a big miss”, as Newcastle’s difficulties without him continued. Indeed, the Magpies have remarkably never won a Premier League match without their captain in the starting XI since his debut in 2022.

In a further blow, Joelinton (£5.9m) limped off with a groin issue, another concern with six of Newcastle’s next seven matches in all competitions on the road.

As for the on-pitch action, Newcastle generated chances worth 2.06 expected goals (xG) but failed to find the net.

Harvey Barnes (£6.1m) and Anthony Gordon (£7.4m) had difficulty influencing the game from wide areas, while Yoane Wissa (£7.3m) was often left isolated up top, leading to the substitution of the latter two shortly after the hour mark.

Lewis Hall (£5.3m), meanwhile, looks set to lose his defensive contribution (DefCon) points later tonight:

BUENDIA + WATKINS STRIKE, TIELEMANS INJURY

Emiliano Buendia (£5.3m) and Ollie Watkins (£8.8m) both scored for Villa on Sunday, as Unai Emery’s men ended their long wait for a win at St James’ Park.

After a lively start where both Emiliano Martinez (£5.0m) and Nick Pope (£5.1m) were tested, Buendia found the net with a lovely dipping strike from outside the box, having received the ball from Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) 30 yards out.

Watkins then sealed the victory late on when he headed home substitute Lucas Digne’s (£4.5m) delivery.

The England international may soon face increased competition from Tammy Abraham; however, he racked up four shots in Gameweek 23 and found himself in countless excellent positions, with some very decent fixtures on the horizon.

As for Rogers, he produced 13 DefCons, the most he’s managed in a match all season.

Youri Tielemans (£5.9m), meanwhile, was forced off in the 75th minute due to an apparent ankle injury.

With Boubacar Kamara (£4.9m) and John McGinn (£5.4m) already sidelined, any potential absence would be keenly felt, even with Amadou Onana (£4.8m) impressing on Sunday and Ross Barkley (£4.8m) due back from injury soon.

“It was his ankle. Hopefully not a lot, but we must check him with the doctor and wait. I can’t say anything more.” – Unai Emery


151 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. sirmorbach
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 9 hours ago

    Hi all. Unsure here. Any help appreciated.

    Raya
    Gabriel, Chalobah, Cash
    Saka, Bruno, Foden, Rogers, Wilson
    Haaland, Thiago

    Dúbravka / Mukiele, Heaven, Guiu

    2 FT.

    A. Saka to Rice, Foden to Semenyo/Enzo/Estevão
    B. Just Foden to Semenyo/Enzo/Estevão/Mbeumo, save other ft
    C. Saka to Rice, Guiu to João Pedro
    D. Heaven to Dorgu, save other ft
    E. Something else?

    1. Bobbyg1
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      B

    2. Mr Turnip 1
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      B

  2. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 9 hours ago

    Which transfer is more priority for this team?

    A) Saka —> Rogers (1FT)
    B) Keane —> Chalobah (1FT)
    C) Roll FT

    Current team:
    Verbruggen
    Gabriel Timber Keane*
    Bruno Mbuemo Enzo LeFee Saka*
    Haaland Thiago

    (Areola Kroupi Andersen VDB)
    (1FT & 1.2itb)

    1. hazza44
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 9 hours ago

      C

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 9 hours ago

    Saka to Rice for free or keep Saka?

    1. The Philosopher
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 9 hours ago

      Do the move only if no other fires

    2. Mr Turnip 1
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Keep

  4. Count Olaf
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 9 hours ago

    My midfielders this week
    Wilson: scores from a 0.03 xG shot
    Rogers: assist from a 0.05 xG shot and gets DefCon (probably for the first time ever)
    Bruno: assist from a 0.04 xG shot
    Enzo: scores a controversial pen due to Palmer's random absence (Palmer had started 8 consecutive league games and was in most predicted lineups)

    Game of skill, huh?

    Hopefully it doesn't come across as boasting or complaining, just a reminder that it's first and foremost a game of luck. Don't stress over it too much guys, a red arrow isn't the end of the world.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 months, 9 hours ago

      Over the season vs one 1 GW, skill vs luck %?

      1. Count Olaf
        • 2 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        Good point.
        One GW 1 is 100% luck.
        Over the season skill matters more, but probably less than it used to, because the gap between "skilled" and "casual" has decreased. Players who spend 10 minutes per week on the game are more "skilled" than they used to be thanks to how accessible all the key information is.

    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 9 hours ago

      I feel like I got punished a lot though. Timber almost scored twice, I had saka captain but he was rubbish. Cherki started but did nothing. Painful 🙂

      1. Bolivian Seaman
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 9 hours ago

        oh yeah, fulham conceded but anderson got good points too

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        7 months, 9 hours ago

        As a Timber non owner, quite fortunate.

  5. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    7 months, 9 hours ago

    Last Man Standing Update (331 teams)

    Current safety score = 28
    Top score = 66

    https://plan.livefpl.net//LMS

  6. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 9 hours ago

    Fulham are close to signing Bobb.

    Bobb is competing with Wilson (out of contract in the summer) for the RW spot. Wilson could move to 10 but would be competing with ESR/King.

    https://x.com/i/status/2015778118347174007

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Haha ESR and King are not much competition for him if that is that case

      1. THE Wild Rover
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        This

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      He's playing too well for his place to be in question at the moment.

      Although the signing of Bobb plus the return of Chukwueze makes him a bit uncertain in terms of where he'll play. I think he's a hold if you're not on WC but certainly won't be making my WC team.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        Forgot about Chukwueze, Wilson falls into the "don't buy, don't sell" category for me.

      2. WVA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        He only doesn’t make the wc team because there are so many very good midfield options, I will likely move him to Semenyo in 26

  7. El Copo
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 9 hours ago

    Bruno or Mbeumo?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 months, 9 hours ago

      Bruno

    2. Mother Farke
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 9 hours ago

      Bruno has more "routes" according to kids on the streets.

    3. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      I feel like this debate occurred earlier in the season and it became pretty clear whose the best option, yet others continue to say otherwise...

  8. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    A) J Pedro
    or
    B) Evanilson

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Neither for me still but Pedro for next few if I had too

    2. Deer-in-headlights
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      B. Delap lurking.

  9. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    Which 2 would you sell this GW?

    Raya Dub
    Gab Hall Tark Richards Muk
    Bruno Enzo Gordon Wilson Miley
    Haaland Bowen Etikite

    a) Miley
    b) Hall
    c) Ekitike
    d) Gordon

    Cheers

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Hall to Chalobah?
      Gordon to Rice/Rogers?

    2. Count Olaf
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Gordon easy sell for me. Bad minutes, no form.
      Miley is fine as bench cover, I'd keep for now.
      Depends on how many minutes Ekitike gets in UCL, but he probably has to go. The problem is there are no decent alternatives in the FWD position. Not the best time to buy Thiago.
      Hall is an ok hold, but selling to Chalobah makes sense, too.

    3. Legohair
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      D A

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Cheers all.

    5. Bobby Crush
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Gordon and Hall out first
      Ekitike also a candidate

  10. Nutmeg Ninja
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    On WC...A few unsettled positions, thoughts appreciated!:

    Sanchez [Dubravka]
    Gabriel Timber Munoz [Dorgu, Mukiele]
    Bruno Rice Semenyo Mbeumo Rogers
    Haaland Pedro [DCL]

  11. PartyTime
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    I tc’d Haaland. That’s how great my season has been.

  12. Legohair
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    Give me a honest opinion, would you WC this team?

    Sanchez-Dubravka
    Gabriel-Timber-Andersen-O'Reilly-Alderate
    Foden-Rice-Wirtz-Cunha-Enzo
    Haaland-Ekitike-Guiu

    2 FT

    A. WC
    B. Foden&O'Reilly to Bruno&4.4 def

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      B

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Wouldn't WC, Foden + Pool attacker out seems better.

      1. Bobby Crush
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        This

  13. mojoindojo
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    In cup tie how does goals conceded work?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Starting 11 from memory.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      starting players + any auto subs

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        Essentially the players that have contributed to your GW score (as an example include BB/TC)

  14. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    On WC

    A j Pedro or Bowen ( have Enzo)
    B semenyo or Rogers

    Cheers

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Full team please

  15. DagheMunegu
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    1 ft 0.8 itb

    Verbruggen
    Gabriel O'Reilly Van Hecke
    Saka Rice Bruno Enzo Szobo
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dub Gudmunsson Rodon Guiu

    A O'Reilly to Chalobah
    B Ekitike to Evanilson
    C Van Hecke to Senesi
    D something else

  16. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    Who needs to go for brunoF?

    A. Saka (own rice and gab)
    B. Wirtz

    1. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      We all do 😉

      Wirtz

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        Ha cheers

    2. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      I’d probably sell Saka,

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        Was leaning towards that, but would need him for the potential dgw.

    3. UTB
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Sell saka (i already have) even with the possible dgw he might get a max of 4 points the way he's playing and that's if he starts both games

  17. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    Which ones are totally sell now from Wirtz, Ekitike, Thiago?

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      I have Saka as well but may just keep for Leeds.

    2. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Having actually watched some football, none but I’d sell Ekitike and invest in mid and defence

      1. Brosstan
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 7 hours ago

        What if you already have the 5 best midfielders - Bruno, Enzo, Rice, Wilson, Rogers, and still have Ekitike? THeres nowhere to invest this season.

        Im actually just benching Ekitike this GW.

        1. WVA
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 7 hours ago

          Semenyo

    3. Jet5605
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Thiago can always pop up with a haul if BRE decide to turn up and so I'd ditch Eki first then Wirtz then Saka

    4. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      see how the liverpool duo get on midweek

    5. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Cheers mates

  18. Feanor
    • 17 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    I gained a whole point by catching the City leak just before 6am, my time. Changed my captain to Thiago, but kept Haaland in my XI in case the leak was wrong. Both were outscored by my bench defenders Senesi and Esteve.

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Same, many did Foden to Semenyo though and many captained him so they were the real winners!

  19. F4L
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    so can i just check if anyone knows, i think i remember guehi had 0 DCs at HT vs Wolves, is that right? ended on 5 just wanted to know if got all 5 in the second half

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Sounds right.

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        cheers tm. just keeping an eye on guehi, promising signs if the opponents actually attack he can get DCs. dont think wolves were really even playing with a striker first half

  20. Jet5605
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    If Dorgu is fit would you do Cunha to Boomo or Rogers for free? Feels like Cunha will always be a problem while Dorgu is fit.

    1. Ray85
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Yes to Mbuemo

  21. Legohair
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    I have tough one?!?!
    Would you sell Wirtz to Mbeumo for -4?

    1. Ray85
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Do you have Bruno F

      1. Legohair
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 8 hours ago

        Yes

        1. Ray85
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 8 hours ago

          Probably wouldn't do it for a -4 tbh

          1. Legohair
            • 10 Years
            7 months, 8 hours ago

            Ok thanks

    2. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Waste of transfer. Wait and see what happens with how United are lining up. Cunha has done enough to deserve a chance from the start in the first 2 games under Carrick.

      1. Brosstan
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 7 hours ago

        This was a reply to Jet5605 above..

  22. Ray85
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    Best transfer:

    Kelleher to Sanchez?
    Wirtz to Mbuemo (already have Bruno)
    Thiago to Evanilson/Pedro?

    1. Legohair
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      Wirtz to Mbeumo

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 8 hours ago

      kelleher to sanchez

    3. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Sanchez

  23. paulojdsc
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 8 hours ago

    Foden to Mbeumo.

    No hesitation?

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Yes

  24. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 7 hours ago

    Roll?

    Roefs
    Gabriel Chalobah Dorgu
    Bruno(c) Saka Rogers Rice LeFee
    Haaland Thiago

    Dubravka Raul Keane Dorgu

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Yeap

  25. Drizzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 7 hours ago

    Best defender under 5.3m for the next 6 GWs?

    A) Senesi
    B) Cash
    C) Dorgu
    D) anyone else?

    1. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      If fit Dorgu 100%

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      I think at that budget and 6 GW window, it may be worth considering a defender who can rotate well with your current defenders.

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      havent checked the fixtures but if bournemouth have at least 3 home matches in that time senesi seems a decent choice

    4. Drizzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Cheers all

  26. Bobby Digital
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 7 hours ago

    Massive benching dilemma. Play two out of the below:

    A. Konate(NEW)
    B. Tarkowski(bha)
    C. Cunha(FUL)
    D. Thiago(avl)

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      BC

    2. Rollercoaster
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Tricky but i would choose 2 most certain starters, that is B and D

  27. sirmorbach
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 7 hours ago

    Foden to
    A. Semenyo
    B. Mbeumo
    C. Enzo
    D. Estevão

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      A

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      Enzo

  28. Kante Touch This
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 7 hours ago

    Anyone considering Estevao over Enzo?

  29. aleksios
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 7 hours ago

    Roll here? Or Ekitike to J.P?

    2 ft. 0.2itb.

    --Verbr
    --Mukiele--Chalobah--Timber--Gabriel
    --Rice--Rogers--BrunoF--Semenyo
    --Haaland--Ekitike.

    --Dubr--Guehi--Thiago--BrunoG.

    Thanks all.

  30. The Philosopher
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 7 hours ago

    Have 3 FTs. How are these moves looking?

    Bowen + Minteh -> Mane + Bruno

    Would like to keep one FT in case Dorgu is ruled out.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 7 hours ago

      That looks good