The world of football is abuzz with anticipation as the new Premier League season looms. For fantasy football managers, the task of squad selection is a complex and strategic endeavor, and one area that demands attention is set-piece takers. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of set-piece strategies and their impact on the beautiful game.
The Set-Piece Revolution
Modern football is all about marginal gains, and set pieces have emerged as a critical area of focus for Premier League clubs. With over half of the teams now employing dedicated set-piece coaches, the impact of these specialists is undeniable. The data speaks volumes: during the 2025-26 season, set pieces accounted for an impressive 27.4% of all goals, a significant increase from the previous campaign.
Unraveling the Set-Piece Secrets
To navigate the complex world of set-piece strategies, we've teamed up with Solio Analytics, a platform that combines detailed football data with FPL-specific analysis. Their insights provide a unique perspective on which players thrive in set-piece situations, offering a competitive edge to fantasy managers.
Leading the Set-Piece Charge
Last season, Arsenal emerged as the set-piece kings, scoring an incredible 25 non-penalty set-piece goals while conceding just eight. Surprisingly, Tottenham Hotspur, despite their relegation battle, ranked second in set-piece performance. Their set-piece coach, Andreas Georgson, may well be the unsung hero who kept them afloat.
In the Championship, Coventry City stood out, with their set-piece prowess suggesting a potential strength as they join the Premier League. On the other hand, teams like Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool conceded the most goals from set pieces, highlighting an area for improvement.
The Set-Piece Stars
When it comes to individual players, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United takes center stage. His record-breaking 21 assists in the Premier League last season, coupled with Solio's predicted points feature, solidifies his status as a fantasy football powerhouse. But it's not just his overall performance; his brilliance at set plays is a key differentiator.
The Inswinging Corner Craze
An intriguing trend has emerged: inswinging corners are in vogue. Last season, there were significantly more inswinging corners than outswingers, indicating a preference for left-footed takers from the right side and vice versa. This trend is reflected in Solio's projections, with United's corner takers likely to be left-footed options like Bryan Mbeumo or Luke Shaw.
Set-Piece Dynamics and Player Value
The fluid nature of set-piece hierarchies means that player value can fluctuate based on changing dynamics. Take, for instance, Anton Stach of Leeds United, whose corner-taking duties may be impacted by the arrival of Harry Wilson. Similarly, Dominik Szoboszlai's corner volume at Liverpool could be influenced by the new set-piece staff, potentially affecting his fantasy football appeal.
The Penalty Takers
Penalty takers are a valuable asset in fantasy football, and Igor Thiago of Brentford is a prime example. His 22 goals last season, including penalties, earned him a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad. However, Solio's projections suggest that Brentford may not win enough penalties to maintain his current rate, making his value a topic of debate.
Targeting Set-Piece Receivers
While set-piece takers grab the headlines, the receivers often reap the rewards. Pascal Struijk and Gabriel Magalhães are notable examples, but it's Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk who stands out, scoring a league-high four goals from crossed corners. Understanding who benefits from set pieces is crucial for fantasy managers.
Final Thoughts
As set pieces continue to play a pivotal role in Premier League goals, the ability to decipher set-piece strategies and identify key players becomes a powerful tool for fantasy managers. Solio's projections offer a unique insight, helping to uncover the real FPL value. With the new season upon us, the set-piece revolution is set to continue, offering an exciting and strategic dimension to the beautiful game.
