FPL Set-Piece Strategy: Unlocking Success in 2026-27
The upcoming Premier League season promises an exciting battle for FPL managers, with a renewed focus on set-piece takers. As the game evolves, understanding the nuances of set-piece strategies becomes crucial for maximizing points and staying ahead of the competition.
The Set-Piece Revolution
The 2025-26 Premier League campaign witnessed a significant shift in set-piece dynamics. Non-penalty set-pieces accounted for 27.4% of all goals, a substantial increase from the previous season's 20.6%. Corners, in particular, emerged as a potent force, contributing 18% of the total goals, up from 12.1% in the previous season.
This trend highlights the growing importance of set-piece coaches and the impact they can have on a team's success. The appointment of Austin MacPhee at Chelsea and Andreas Georgson at Tottenham Hotspur further emphasizes the strategic value of set-piece expertise.
Strongest Set-Piece Teams
Let's delve into the set-piece prowess of some top teams from the previous season:
- Arsenal: Led the way with 25 non-penalty set-piece goals and only 8 conceded, resulting in a positive swing of 17 goals.
- Tottenham Hotspur: The second-best team from set plays, with a positive swing of 10 goals.
- Coventry City: The standout team in the Championship, with a positive swing of 16 goals.
Conversely, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool struggled with set-piece goals, allowing the most goals in this manner.
Key Players and Set-Piece Dynamics
Several players thrived in set-piece situations, showcasing their importance in FPL:
- Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United's star player, with 21 assists in the Premier League, setting a new record. His set-piece brilliance is evident, with 11 assists from set-piece situations, including seven from first-time crosses.
- Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool's Hungarian talent, with a strong set-piece output. He's projected to be a corner taker from both sides, despite the arrival of new set-piece coaches.
- Declan Rice: Arsenal's cornerstone, leading in corners, indirect free-kicks, and throw-ins. His set-piece involvement is crucial, but the potential arrival of Bruno Guimarães could impact his numbers.
Set-Piece Receivers to Target
Understanding who benefits from set-piece opportunities is vital:
- Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool's captain, with a league-high four goals from crossed corners.
- Gabriel Magalhães: Arsenal's defender, with eight shots and one goal from crossed corners.
Future Considerations
As the season unfolds, FPL managers should monitor:
- Set-piece hierarchies: Solio's projections provide insights into potential set-piece takers and their impact.
- Player rotations: Changes in set-piece dynamics can affect player value, as seen with Anton Stach and Harry Wilson.
- Penalty takers: Igor Thiago's success at penalties is notable, but uncertainty surrounds penalty duties at several clubs.
In conclusion, the 2026-27 FPL season will be a battle of set-piece mastery. Managers who grasp these nuances will gain a competitive edge, unlocking success and maximizing their team's potential.
