Dream big, FPL managers — because this week’s Fantasy Premier League insights might be the edge you need to outscore your rivals. Brentford FC has partnered with Fantasy Football Scout once again to arm fans with sharp analysis, insider tips, and weekly strategies for the 2025/26 FPL season. Whether you’re chasing a mini-league title or battling to climb back up the ranks, these suggestions might just tilt the odds in your favor.
Breaking Down Brentford’s Brilliance
It took a tense wait before Brentford finally broke through Burnley’s defense on Saturday — but when the goals came, they flooded in. The Bees stormed to a 3-1 victory, continuing their strong home form. With five wins and one draw from seven matches, they’ve racked up a remarkable 16 points at home — a record bettered only by Manchester City. That’s elite territory.
Dango Ouattara (£6.0m) made the difference once more, winning a penalty — Brentford’s seventh of the season — calmly converted by Igor Thiago (£6.7m). The Brazilian wasn’t done there. Just minutes later, he unleashed a thunderous strike from Jordan Henderson’s (£5.0m) cross to double the lead. With 11 goals so far, Thiago trails only Erling Haaland (£14.9m), who has 14. The rest? They’re miles behind, with no other player surpassing seven.
At the back, Aaron Hickey (£4.0m) quietly impressed before being subbed off, banking a clean sheet and several defensive contribution (DefCon) points — those are earned for clearances, blocks, and interceptions. Meanwhile, teammate Nathan Collins (£4.9m) delivered a defensive masterclass in Gameweek 13, tallying an incredible 22 DefCon points — the highest single-game total by any defender this season.
Henderson’s Hidden Value
Jordan Henderson’s FPL value is quietly growing. Though he wasn’t awarded an assist for Thiago’s second, his precise playmaking paid off elsewhere — he did earn credits for Ouattara’s stoppage-time goal and added more DefCon points to his name. Between Gameweeks 6 and 13, only a handful of players have created more major scoring chances (five), with Sean Longstaff (£4.9m) — one of them — now injured for a month. Henderson’s 12 consecutive starts and three assists could make him a key differential during the upcoming packed schedule.
Gameweek 13 Chaos and Standouts
Gameweek 13 was wild — over two million FPL managers played chips, the highest count this season. Most used either the Free Hit or Triple Captain, shaking up the rankings dramatically. Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw (£4.9m) exploded for two goals and a massive 16-point haul, while his teammate Lewis Miley (£4.4m) followed closely with 15. Maxim De Cuyper (£4.3m) and Phil Foden (£8.1m) matched that figure, as Foden struck early and late in City’s clash with Leeds. Interestingly, Cody Gakpo (£7.5m) pulled in 14 points in a match where star teammate Mohamed Salah (£14.1m) didn't even leave the bench. Makes you wonder — are premium assets always worth the price tag?
Transfers Heating Up
It’s a frantic week for managers, with two deadlines to navigate. Gameweek 14 kicks off Tuesday at 6 p.m. GMT, so quick decisions are key. Unsurprisingly, Igor Thiago tops the ‘most transferred in’ list, followed closely by Foden and Jurrien Timber (£6.4m). On the flip side, Marcos Senesi (£5.0m) and Moisés Caicedo (£6.0m) will miss out through suspension, making them prime candidates for sale. Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr (£6.7m) is another worry — his ongoing ankle issue may sideline him until the African Cup of Nations, forcing managers to look elsewhere.
Captaincy Debate: Stick or Twist?
Here’s where things get controversial. Do you stay loyal to Haaland — or dare to go rogue? The Norwegian has blanked back-to-back and faces a motivated Fulham side fresh off two consecutive wins. That’s a red flag for some managers. Those seeking alternatives might gamble on Bruno Fernandes (£8.9m) or Bryan Mbeumo (£8.6m) in home fixtures against West Ham. Salah? Rested and ready for Liverpool’s clash with Sunderland — though that fixture suddenly looks less straightforward than many expected. And don’t forget Bukayo Saka (£10.1m) — consistent, clinical, and quietly climbing the captaincy charts.
So, who’s your pick for the armband this week — play it safe with Haaland, or back an underdog like Thiago or Mbeumo? Do you trust the old reliables, or is this the week to break the template? Drop your opinion below — because in FPL, fortune always favors the bold.
