Scout Notes
25 January 2026 346 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.


346 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    22 hours, 57 mins ago

    I feel it's Mbeumo's place to lose up top. Why not Mbeumo over Bruno?

    1. JBG
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 53 mins ago

      I actually think Carrick might switch it up against Fulham and play Šeško up top, just a gutfeeling though. Because Carrick changes it up from opponent to opponent, so in matches v City and Arsenal where MU aren't expected to have most of the ball Mbuemo as false 9 is better

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 51 mins ago

      Seems pretty obvious to me: Bruno will play every minute, is on pens, better for defcons and bonus.

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 6 Years
        21 hours, 39 mins ago

        This.

    3. R Whites
      • 10 Years
      22 hours, 48 mins ago

      I would like both. Hard to fit in though

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 45 mins ago

      Just list Bruno's routes to points...

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 8 Years
      22 hours, 30 mins ago

      Cheers lads

  2. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    22 hours, 53 mins ago

    1. Wildcard and replace the starred players (and possibly s

    Roefs*
    Gabriel Thiaw* O'Reilly*
    Bruno Rice Rogers Wilson Enzo
    Haaland Ekitike*

    Dubruvka Keane* Guiu* Alderete

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      22 hours, 52 mins ago

      1. Wildcard and replace the starred players (and possibly some of the midfield

      2. Roll to next GW

      3. Consider a hit

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 49 mins ago

      Think that team looks fine.

    3. CYN
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 34 mins ago

      Roll, team is mostly good

  3. R Whites
    • 10 Years
    22 hours, 48 mins ago

    Best Ekitike replacement?

    (Other fwd - Thiago. Halaand)

    1. The Tonberry
      • 1 Year
      22 hours, 45 mins ago

      I'd go cheap and shift the funds to midfield - Kroupi or Mane

      1. R Whites
        • 10 Years
        22 hours, 44 mins ago

        Midfield is

        Rogers Bruno F, Enzo, Rice. Wilson,

        Finding it hard to drop any!

        1. Boberella
          • 9 Years
          22 hours, 40 mins ago

          Go cheap 3rd fwd as you need someone to bench each week with that mid

          1. R Whites
            • 10 Years
            22 hours, 35 mins ago

            Yea budget doesn’t seem to be an issue this year. The selection headache is real every week though

        2. The Tonberry
          • 1 Year
          22 hours, 40 mins ago

          Have the first 4 and want Mbeumo as the 5th.

          Probably Wilson or Rogers from your team to make way I guess.

          Tough to drop any of them tbh

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 44 mins ago

      Depends on the rest of your team and budget.

      1. R Whites
        • 10 Years
        22 hours, 42 mins ago

        Front line of

        Rogers Bruno F, Enzo, Rice. Wilson,
        Halaand, Eki, Thiago

        £1.2M ITB

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          22 hours, 13 mins ago

          maybe Evanilson

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 25 mins ago

      Might just be Watkins after all

  4. The Tonberry
    • 1 Year
    22 hours, 45 mins ago

    Who should I sell to upgrade my cheap midfielder to Mbeumo - Ekitike or Thiago?

    1. R Whites
      • 10 Years
      22 hours, 45 mins ago

      Eki

    2. JBG
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 44 mins ago

      Eki

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 43 mins ago

      surely Ekitke

  5. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    22 hours, 43 mins ago

    Thank you Thiago for missing that early chance.

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      22 hours, 39 mins ago

      Your plan for him now?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        22 hours, 36 mins ago

        Villa next so not this week.

  6. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    22 hours, 41 mins ago

    Only DCL can save me now, go bag a hattie lad!

  7. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    22 hours, 40 mins ago

    Which one?

    1) Ekitike Thiago to Pedro Brobbey, Potts to Enzo next week
    2) Ekitike Potts to Brobbey Semenyo/Enzo

    Worth keeping Thiago? Really tough next 3.

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      22 hours, 38 mins ago

      Brobbey nice GW24 and 27 but tough otherwise

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 36 mins ago

      2 for me

      Thiago is unpredictable

  8. Ze_Austin
    • 7 Years
    22 hours, 36 mins ago

    Would you go Roefs to Sels for free?

    1. CYN
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 35 mins ago

      No

      1. R Whites
        • 10 Years
        22 hours, 35 mins ago

        Nah. Sideways

    2. JBG
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 34 mins ago

      If nothing else, yes.

      Sunderland seem to have fallen back to their actual "norm". Well at least their backline

      1. Traction Engine Foot
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 31 mins ago

        They still haven't lost at home

        1. JBG
          • 7 Years
          22 hours, 27 mins ago

          What good does that do if they keep conceding? This is FPL, not results PL

          1. Traction Engine Foot
            • 7 Years
            22 hours, 20 mins ago

            Do you think Forest will keep a lot more clean sheets than them? Even if they do, is a goalkeeper transfer worth it?

            1. JBG
              • 7 Years
              22 hours, 15 mins ago

              If Sunderland keep returning to their "norm", specially their defence as seen lately(have had Roefs for a while now and regret it, should've just played Dubravka). Then yes, NFO are turning into a proper Dyche team

              1. Traction Engine Foot
                • 7 Years
                22 hours, 10 mins ago

                Fair enough, and I agree that Forest look a lot more solid now. I just reckon the transfer will probably be more useful elsewhere down the line. I definitely wouldn't do it this week either, as Sunderland have Burnley at home.

                1. JBG
                  • 7 Years
                  21 hours, 53 mins ago

                  Yeah could wait 1GW

    3. Bushwhacker
      • 6 Years
      21 hours, 37 mins ago

      Bank that transfer

  9. CYN
    • 7 Years
    22 hours, 36 mins ago

    Been struck by injuries lately so only 1FT:

    Raya
    Gabriel Virgil Tark Mukiele Alderete
    Saka Bruno F Semenyo
    Haaland Ekitike

    Dubravka Stach Tavernier Guiu

    Roll GW24?

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 34 mins ago

      Got a WC?

      1. CYN
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 30 mins ago

        I do but I was hoping to save it.

        Maybe it is time though.

    2. JBG
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 32 mins ago

      Would suggest Eki out, but can probably hold if you want. I'm personally kicking him out and gladly never seeing him in my team again this season

      1. CYN
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 29 mins ago

        I would love to get rid of him.

        Maybe Eki down 24 and then upgrade Tavernier 25.

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours, 32 mins ago

      Team getting stretched a bit.

      1. CYN
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 28 mins ago

        Yeah maybe it is time to WC

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          22 hours, 26 mins ago

          A hit might work.

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 23 mins ago

      This doesn't need a WC imo. Sell Ekitike or roll

  10. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    22 hours, 31 mins ago

    which other team dble up with arsenal gw26? is is everton?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 8 Years
      22 hours, 30 mins ago

      Wolves

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        22 hours, 29 mins ago

        Damn...cheers

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours, 29 mins ago

      Wolves

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        22 hours, 28 mins ago

        thanks

  11. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    22 hours, 28 mins ago

    I see people recommending JP because of the fixtures. Isn't he a very high rotation risk with multiple attacking options at Chelsea?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      22 hours, 27 mins ago

      just him and delap. a risk worth taking imo in view of the fixtures. I am not sure who else I would get up front to be honest. my current front 2 with haaland are thiago and bowen.

    2. CYN
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 27 mins ago

      Yeah Delap will probably start at least one game.

  12. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    22 hours, 24 mins ago

    Can I trust double ARS defense away against Leeds?

    1. Kaneyonero
      • 9 Years
      22 hours, 23 mins ago

      Leeds under the lights is a different ball game. Could end up scoreless though.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours, 23 mins ago

      Not really but probably don't have better choices.

  13. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 12 Years
    22 hours, 22 mins ago

    There are currently 10 players costing 8.5m or above. This GW they collectively got a massive 20 points.

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 6 Years
      21 hours, 35 mins ago

      Now the Premier League is mostly resembling league two talent is less important

      1. Bennerman
        • 7 Years
        21 hours, 34 mins ago

        Moron

  14. Boberella
    • 9 Years
    22 hours, 20 mins ago

    Keep Palmer?
    Could move to Bruno F for a hit.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours, 17 mins ago

      Hard to trust Palmer

      1. Boberella
        • 9 Years
        21 hours, 57 mins ago

        Agree. Was a punt going early on him a few weeks back really.

  15. Full ham tragic
    • 3 Years
    22 hours, 17 mins ago

    Have made transfers , any suggestions on team and bench or gtg?
    Dub
    Sens orielly timber Chalobah dorgu
    Rice semenyo Bruno f enzo
    Haaland

    Kell cuhna Dcl guii

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours, 9 mins ago

      Mainly depends which Cunha you are benching.

  16. MetallicaJack93
    • 2 Years
    22 hours, 15 mins ago

    Anyone still having issues with chrome android transfer dropdowns?

    1. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      22 hours, 9 mins ago

      Yes

  17. Casual Player
    • 5 Years
    22 hours, 12 mins ago

    Bench Dorgu the last 2 GWs. Understatement to say this is not my season

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours, 11 mins ago

      Sounds like you wanted to play him.

      1. Casual Player
        • 5 Years
        22 hours, 5 mins ago

        Not at all

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 6 Years
      21 hours, 34 mins ago

      Game of luck. Many people benched him against Arsenal and City, most didn’t expect that strike either!

      1. Casual Player
        • 5 Years
        20 hours, 39 mins ago

        Was a cracking goal

  18. Sly Fly
    • 16 Years
    22 hours, 9 mins ago

    Evening.

    I have 3FT and exact money to do:

    Saka > Bruno
    Foden > Semenyo
    Cash > Timber

    Good transfers?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours, 2 mins ago

      Sala out could hurt shortly but good otherwise

      1. Sly Fly
        • 16 Years
        22 hours ago

        Thanks TorresMagic.

        Much appreciated.

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 6 Years
      21 hours, 33 mins ago

      Solid.

  19. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    22 hours, 9 mins ago

    Transfers done. 6.6 m in the bank 😛

    Verbruggen
    Gabriel - Richards - Reinildo
    Saka - Palmer - Bruno F - Mbeumo - Rogers
    Watkins - Pedro

    John - VdV - Barnes - Gudmundsson

    Good luck all 🙂

  20. Drizzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    22 hours, 3 mins ago

    Slot gone?

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 10 Years
      22 hours, 1 min ago

      Rumours saying so - Alonso

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 6 Years
      21 hours, 32 mins ago

      End of season

  21. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    22 hours, 1 min ago

    Hall to lose defcon points tomorrow

    https://x.com/i/status/2015534825336193359

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      22 hours ago

      Boo! Guess its not my season.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      22 hours ago

      Opta updated Hall's defcons to 9

    3. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      21 hours, 45 mins ago

      Great, he got some bonus added late last week.

  22. Assisting the assister
    • 10 Years
    21 hours, 59 mins ago

    1FT so Foden >
    A. Enzo
    B. Semenyo

  23. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    21 hours, 58 mins ago

    Andersen has Defcon now, did he have them yesterday? Don’t remember seeing a mighty 8 points by his name

    1. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      21 hours, 58 mins ago

      Senesi too?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      21 hours, 56 mins ago

      Yes, both given defcon points yesterday.

  24. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    21 hours, 57 mins ago

    Would you do Saka to Rogers for free? Rogers has some nice home games coming up

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 6 Years
      21 hours, 31 mins ago

      No

  25. The Mighty Whites
    • 11 Years
    21 hours, 56 mins ago

    Worth using 2FT to do Saka & Keane to Mbuemo & Gabriel? Already have Raya & Rice

    1. tucaoneo
      • 7 Years
      21 hours, 8 mins ago

      Yes

  26. I have no Wirtz
      21 hours, 56 mins ago

      If budget is no consideration. Which 3 Chelsea players would you want in your team

      A)Chalobah
      B)Palmer
      C)Estevao
      D)JP

      1. I have no Wirtz
          21 hours, 55 mins ago

          E)Enzo

        • Traction Engine Foot
          • 7 Years
          21 hours, 54 mins ago

          ADE

        • Boberella
          • 9 Years
          21 hours, 52 mins ago

          Is the thinking Estevao could be more nailed for mins under Rosenior?

        • Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          21 hours, 52 mins ago

          Enzo and maybe Chalobah

        • Jigger & Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          21 hours, 46 mins ago

          D
          E
          F) Sanchez

        • dhamphiir
          • 10 Years
          21 hours, 43 mins ago

          ADE

      2. sk24
        • 8 Years
        21 hours, 47 mins ago

        Start 2:
        1) Alderete
        2) O'Reilly
        3) Cash
        4) Keane

        1. JohnnyB10
            21 hours, 37 mins ago

            1 and 3

        2. FDMS All Starz
          • 10 Years
          21 hours, 44 mins ago

          Do we think Chalobah is worth the price? Is he likely to start all prem games?

          1. Jigger & Pony
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            21 hours, 42 mins ago

            Isn’t Sanchez better value?

            1. FDMS All Starz
              • 10 Years
              21 hours, 34 mins ago

              Maybe but I need to sell Keane, gk isn’t an issue for me

        3. Jigger & Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          21 hours, 41 mins ago

          Top 3 defenders to own if on WC?

          1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 12 Years
            21 hours, 40 mins ago

            I’m on Gab, Guehi and Chalobah but my rank is abysmal so don’t take my advice.

            1. Jigger & Pony
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              21 hours, 24 mins ago

              May go Nunes over Guehi

          2. JohnnyB10
              21 hours, 32 mins ago

              Gab and Tark definitely, got Dorgu as a 3rd one lol.

          3. JohnnyB10
              21 hours, 33 mins ago

              0.0 itb. 1 ft.

              1. Wirtz to Mbuemo?
              2. Ekitike to Evanilson? ( Not bringing Pedro )
              3. Roll?