FPL Set-Piece Stats: Expected Takers, Players to Target, and Projections for 2026-27
As the new Premier League season approaches, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are gearing up for another exciting campaign. In this article, we delve into the importance of set-piece takers and the players who will be crucial in maximizing their potential. With a focus on data-driven insights, we explore the trends and strategies that will shape the upcoming season.
The Set-Piece Revolution
The Premier League is witnessing a set-piece revolution, with teams increasingly recognizing the value of dedicated set-piece coaches. During the 2025-26 season, non-penalty set-pieces accounted for 27.4% of all goals, a significant increase from the previous season's 20.6%. Corners, in particular, were at an all-time high, contributing 18% of the total goals.
This shift in focus has led to the appointment of renowned set-piece coaches like Austin MacPhee, who moved from Aston Villa to Chelsea, and Andreas Georgson, who joined Tottenham Hotspur alongside Thomas Frank. These coaches play a pivotal role in shaping their teams' set-piece strategies, impacting the overall performance and success of the clubs.
Strong Set-Piece Teams
Let's examine the set-piece numbers of some top teams from the previous season to identify areas of focus for FPL managers.
- Arsenal: Led the way with 25 non-penalty set-piece goals and only 8 conceded, resulting in a positive swing of 17 goals. Their set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, employs strict corner routines, with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke taking right-sided corners.
- Tottenham Hotspur: Finished second with a positive swing of 10 goals. Andreas Georgson's influence is evident, as he has remained at the club despite managerial changes.
- Coventry City: The standout team from set pieces in the Championship, with a positive swing of 16 goals. They will look to replicate this success in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool: These teams allowed the most non-penalty set-piece goals, with Palace's negative swing of 9 goals being the worst in the division.
Key Players and Set-Piece Dynamics
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes is a standout player in set-piece situations. He assisted 21 goals in the Premier League last season, setting a new competition record. Solio Analytics projects him as the second most dangerous player, with an average of 6.12 points-per-game across the first six gameweeks. Fernandes' brilliance at set plays is evident, as he equaled Steven Gerrard's record for the most assists from set-piece situations in a single Premier League campaign.
Inswinging Corners
Inswinging corners are a prevalent trend in the Premier League, with 2,643 inswingers compared to 541 outswingers last season. This trend favors left-footed takers from the right side and right-footed takers from the left side. Teams like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have corner takers who align with this preference.
Targeting Players
Solio Analytics provides insights into the most likely corner takers for each club. For example, Arsenal's corners are taken by Rice from the left and Saka from the right, while Tottenham's corners are taken by Porro and Tel.
Anton Stach vs. Harry Wilson
Leeds United's Anton Stach took an equal number of corners from both sides, reflecting the team's balanced approach. However, the arrival of Harry Wilson, a dangerous left-footer, may provide clarity. Wilson is projected to be Leeds' most likely corner taker from the right, potentially impacting Stach's value.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai is another player whose value could be influenced by set-piece dynamics. He often took corners from both sides last season, sharing duties with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. With Salah's departure and Gakpo's potential move, Szoboszlai's corner volume may increase.
Penalty Takers
Penalty takers are crucial in FPL, and players like Igor Thiago and Bruno Guimarães are worth monitoring. Thiago's penalty exploits have elevated his price, but Solio Analytics projects him to take fewer penalties than other top players. Penalty-taking duties are uncertain for several clubs, making it an area of close monitoring.
Set-Piece Receivers
The article also highlights the importance of set-piece receivers, with Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool standing out for scoring a league-high four goals after making the first contact on crossed corners.
As set pieces continue to play a significant role in Premier League goals, understanding the dynamics of takers and receivers is essential for FPL managers. Solio Analytics' projections provide valuable insights, helping identify the real FPL value and shaping strategies for the upcoming season.
