FPL
Thiago Blanks, Le Fee Scores: Check the Fixtures First
5 September 2026
In this guide: Thiago blanks, Janelt takes the bonus and Le Fee's late penalty makes it Brentford 1-1 Sunderland. We compare both starting XIs' expected and actual points, separate the unlucky blanks from the minutes worries, and look ahead to a testing fixture run for both clubs.
- Janelt: 9 points. Damsgaard: 7. Janelt scored in the 57th minute, with Damsgaard supplying the FPL assist.
- Le Fee equalised from the spot in the 82nd minute for 8 points. Isidor earned the FPL assist off the bench.
- Thiago played ninety minutes and recorded 0.50 xG, but finished on 2 points.
- Collins went off injured. Kayode, Dango and Sangare all came off at half-time.
- Next: Brentford go to Bournemouth. Sunderland host Arsenal, then visit City.
The returns went around Thiago
If you started Thiago and Schade, this was a frustrating way to spend an afternoon. Brentford did score, but Janelt got the goal and Damsgaard the assist. Janelt's nine points included three bonus despite a booking; Damsgaard added two bonus to his return. Meanwhile, the two attackers with 4.7 expected points apiece both finished on two.
Those blanks were not identical. Thiago registered 0.50 xG and played the full match. Schade also completed ninety minutes but had 0.00 xG. Lewis-Potter offered a more encouraging combination of 0.30 xG and 0.40 expected assists, yet he too finished on two. There was attacking involvement here that the final points alone do not show.
Brentford's starting XI: expected points v actual points
| Player | xPts | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelleher | 3.8 | 2 | -1.8 |
| Kayode | 3.4 | 1 | -2.4 |
| Collins | 3.8 | 1 | -2.8 |
| Ajer | 3.4 | 2 | -1.4 |
| Lewis-Potter, top three expected points pick | 4.1 | 2 | -2.1 |
| Janelt | 3.6 | 9 | +5.4 |
| Mamadou Sangare, top three expected points pick | 4.1 | 0 | -4.1 |
| Damsgaard | 1.7 | 7 | +5.3 |
| Dango Ouattara | 2.2 | 1 | -1.2 |
| Schade, top three expected points pick | 4.7 | 2 | -2.7 |
| Thiago, top three expected points pick | 4.7 | 2 | -2.7 |
Top three xPts picks, including ties. xPts = expected points; +/- = actual minus expected. Green: 1.5+ above. Red: 1.5+ below. Otherwise neutral.
Sunderland's starting XI: expected points v actual points
| Player | xPts | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roefs, top three expected points pick | 2.7 | 2 | -0.7 |
| Meunier | 2.4 | 2 | -0.4 |
| Mukiele | 1.5 | 4 | +2.5 |
| Ballard, top three expected points pick | 2.7 | 4 | +1.3 |
| Danso | 0 | 2 | +2 |
| Reinildo | 2.4 | 2 | -0.4 |
| Xhaka, top three expected points pick | 3.3 | 3 | -0.3 |
| Sadiki | 2.6 | 1 | -1.6 |
| Le Fee, top three expected points pick | 3.2 | 8 | +4.8 |
| Angulo | 1.9 | 2 | +0.1 |
| Brobbey | 2.3 | 2 | -0.3 |
Top three xPts picks, including ties. xPts = expected points; +/- = actual minus expected. Green: 1.5+ above. Red: 1.5+ below. Otherwise neutral.
The penalty changes the numbers
Sunderland had more shots on target and more touches in Brentford's box. Their late equaliser did not come from nowhere. But strip out the penalty and Brentford lead the xG comparison 1.26 to 1.06. This was closer in chance quality than the headline 1.85 for Sunderland suggests.
Collins first. The half-time changes next.
Collins lasted sixteen FPL minutes before an injury forced the change. That is the first piece of team news owners need before GW4. Schuster replaced him and played 73 minutes, but one enforced appearance is not enough to make him a nailed starter. Wait for an update on Collins before using a transfer to second-guess it.
Kayode, Dango and Sangare were replaced at the interval. Whatever the reason for each change, forty-five minutes is a problem for your FPL side if it repeats. Their owners have a more pressing selection question than Thiago owners after his full match. Damsgaard, by contrast, started and played 85 minutes. That is useful playing time to go with his seven points; check whether he keeps the start before the next deadline.
GW4: Le Fee's penalty appeal meets Arsenal
| Player | Price | Expected points | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago | £8.0m | 3.8 | Bournemouth (A) |
| Janelt | £5.0m | 2.9 | Bournemouth (A) |
| Le Fee | £5.9m | 2.5 | Arsenal (H) |
Le Fee taking the penalty is useful for owners. It gives him a way to return when Sunderland create little from open play. But Arsenal at home and City away make this an awkward time to buy. A hit to bring him in needs a stronger case than this eight-pointer.
Janelt's goal came from just 0.10 xG. Enjoy the nine if you had him, but do not assume he has replaced Thiago as Brentford's main goal threat. Bournemouth away comes next, followed by Chelsea at home and Villa away. Read the Newcastle v Bournemouth review, then use the planner to decide whether you want to hold Brentford through that run or move the money elsewhere.
