Scout Notes
25 January 2026 346 comments
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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. zensum
    • 12 Years
    22 hours, 14 mins 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
      22 hours, 13 mins ago

      Currently AC for me

      Could easily backfire though

    2. JohnnyB10
        22 hours, 12 mins ago

        A and C, don’t see Thiago scoring.

    3. _Greg
      • 15 Years
      22 hours, 14 mins ago

      Ekitike to JP -4

      1. _Greg
        • 15 Years
        22 hours, 13 mins ago

        Tough, wouldn't mind getting 7.1

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 11 mins 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
        22 hours 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
          21 hours, 57 mins 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

    4. KeanosMagic
      • 4 Years
      22 hours, 11 mins ago

      Would you BB this?

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

      1. Bennerman
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 10 mins ago

        No.

        Bench boost? Why now?

        1. Bennerman
          • 7 Years
          22 hours, 9 mins ago

          "Get it out of the way"?

        2. KeanosMagic
          • 4 Years
          22 hours ago

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

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

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

    5. afsr
      • 9 Years
      22 hours, 10 mins 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
        22 hours, 9 mins ago

        Chalobah could also be Cucurella, got 3.2 ITB

      2. zensum
        • 12 Years
        22 hours, 6 mins ago

        C
        Wouldn’t move Dalot

        1. afsr
          • 9 Years
          21 hours, 46 mins 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

    6. Make FPL Casual Again
      • 7 Years
      22 hours, 10 mins ago

      When is Timbers goal added ?

      1. Bennerman
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 8 mins ago

        When you add the possessive apostrophe.

        1. Make FPL Casual Again
          • 7 Years
          22 hours, 4 mins ago

          Ok nerd

          1. Bennerman
            • 7 Years
            21 hours, 57 mins ago

            Pleb.

            1. Make FPL Casual Again
              • 7 Years
              21 hours, 52 mins ago

              Posh nerd...

              Little lord fonteroy

              1. Bennerman
                • 7 Years
                21 hours, 46 mins 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
                  21 hours, 43 mins ago

                  Those big words sound impressive

                  1. Bennerman
                    • 7 Years
                    21 hours, 39 mins ago

                    Only he who yearns for the impressive can be impressed.

                    1. Make FPL Casual Again
                      • 7 Years
                      21 hours, 33 mins ago

                      Be like water my friend

        2. Make FPL Casual Again
          • 7 Years
          21 hours, 36 mins ago

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

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

            You said this. Live with it forever:

            Little lord fonteroy

      2. afsr
        • 9 Years
        22 hours, 7 mins ago

        Hopefully never

        1. Make FPL Casual Again
          • 7 Years
          22 hours, 4 mins ago

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

    7. BR510
        22 hours, 9 mins 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
          22 hours, 6 mins ago

          Going for JP myself

      • Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        22 hours, 6 mins ago

        JP or Evanilson?

        1. g40steve
          • 7 Years
          22 hours, 3 mins ago

          Can’t see past next 4, JP

        2. JohnnyB10
            22 hours, 2 mins ago

            Evanilson

        3. g40steve
          • 7 Years
          22 hours, 4 mins ago

          Play Kelleher or Dubs?

        4. hawkeyes
          • 11 Years
          22 hours 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)

        5. BR510
            21 hours, 58 mins 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
            21 hours, 56 mins ago

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

            1. Freshy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              21 hours, 50 mins ago

              Seems good to me

            2. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              21 hours, 46 mins 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
              • 3 Years
              21 hours, 42 mins ago

              Maybe do Mane instead of Kroupi? But otherwise very nice

          • Manani
            • 14 Years
            21 hours, 55 mins ago

            Rogers > Enzo?

            1. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
              • 3 Years
              21 hours, 41 mins 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
            21 hours, 53 mins 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
              21 hours, 49 mins 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
            21 hours, 48 mins 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
              21 hours, 23 mins ago

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

          • Taegugk Warrior
            • 7 Years
            21 hours, 48 mins ago

            JP or Enzo…?

            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 11 Years
              21 hours, 47 mins ago

              Enzo but planning both on my wc

          • DandyDon
            • 7 Years
            21 hours, 48 mins ago

            Which sideways more is more crucial!?

            A)Foden - Semenyo
            B)Cunha - Mbuemo

            1. Magic Zico
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              21 hours, 47 mins ago

              A

          • Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            21 hours, 47 mins ago

            Ekitike Stach > JP Mbeumo for free?

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

          • Stranger Mings
            • 5 Years
            21 hours, 47 mins 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
              21 hours, 45 mins ago

              B

              1. Stranger Mings
                • 5 Years
                21 hours, 44 mins ago

                Cheers

            2. Cheeky Reijnders
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 3 Years
              21 hours, 21 mins ago

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

              1. Stranger Mings
                • 5 Years
                21 hours, 8 mins ago

                Like that

          • Bobbyg1
            • 14 Years
            21 hours, 46 mins ago

            Bruno G to Bruno F and

            NOR to Dorgu for free?

            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 11 Years
              21 hours, 46 mins ago

              isnt dorgu maybe injured?

              1. Bobbyg1
                • 14 Years
                21 hours, 44 mins ago

                Ah right thanks. Didnt know that

          • Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            21 hours, 46 mins ago

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

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              21 hours, 45 mins 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
                21 hours, 43 mins ago

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

            2. Stranger Mings
              • 5 Years
              21 hours, 7 mins ago

              Sell

          • Rednev1983
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            21 hours, 46 mins 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
              21 hours, 44 mins 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
                21 hours, 37 mins 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
              21 hours, 42 mins 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
                21 hours, 41 mins ago

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

              2. Rednev1983
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                21 hours, 32 mins 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
              • 3 Years
              21 hours, 37 mins 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
                • 3 Years
                21 hours, 37 mins ago

                *left wing

              2. Rednev1983
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                21 hours, 24 mins 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
            21 hours, 40 mins 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
            21 hours, 39 mins 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
              21 hours, 38 mins ago

              dorgu in there as I already own him

            2. Rednev1983
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              21 hours, 18 mins 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
                20 hours, 58 mins ago

                yep I cant see where I would upgrade. cheers

          • Jebiga
            • 13 Years
            21 hours, 38 mins 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
            21 hours, 37 mins 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
              21 hours, 36 mins ago

              Thank god i benched him for both city & arsenal

          • Stranger Mings
            • 5 Years
            21 hours, 36 mins ago

            Are people keeping saka?

            1. Manani
              • 14 Years
              21 hours, 34 mins ago

              switched him out to Rice last week

              1. Stranger Mings
                • 5 Years
                21 hours, 32 mins ago

                Yeh wish i did - lost patience

            2. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 11 Years
              21 hours, 33 mins ago

              reluctantly selling on wc...

              1. Stranger Mings
                • 5 Years
                21 hours, 32 mins ago

                Easy decision on wc

            3. Cheeky Reijnders
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 3 Years
              21 hours, 28 mins ago

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

          • MShalkz
            • 4 Years
            21 hours, 35 mins 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
            21 hours, 34 mins ago

            Ekitike to JP - yes or no?

          • Bobbyg1
            • 14 Years
            21 hours, 32 mins ago

            Nor, Gruno and Ekitike to

            Kroupi, Semenyo and Fruno?

            3 fts

          • Cheeky Reijnders
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            21 hours, 32 mins 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.