FPL Set-Piece Stats: Expected Takers, Players to Target, and Projections for 2026-27
The upcoming 2026-27 Premier League season promises to be a thrilling one for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, with a renewed focus on set-piece takers. As the sport embraces the concept of marginal gains, every club is seeking an edge, and set pieces are becoming increasingly crucial.
In this article, we delve into the world of set-piece takers, exploring the importance of dedicated set-piece coaches, the impact of set-piece specialists, and the players who thrive in these situations. We also examine the trends and strategies that FPL managers should consider when building their squads.
The Set-Piece Revolution
The 2025-26 Premier League campaign saw a significant rise in goals from non-penalty set-pieces, with 27.4% of all goals coming from this source, up from 20.6% in the previous season. Corners, in particular, were at an all-time high, accounting for 18% of all goals.
This trend is not just a coincidence. Many clubs have recognized the importance of set pieces and invested in dedicated set-piece coaches. The arrival of Austin MacPhee at Chelsea and Andreas Georgson at Tottenham Hotspur further emphasizes the growing significance of this area of the game.
Strong Set-Piece Teams
Let's take a closer look at some of the top set-piece teams from the 2025-26 season and their strategies:
- Arsenal: Led the way with 25 non-penalty set-piece goals and a positive swing of 17 goals. Their set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, employs strict routines, with a focus on left-sided corners.
- Tottenham Hotspur: Second-best team from set plays, with a positive swing of 10 goals. Their set-piece coach, Andreas Georgson, has remained at the club despite managerial changes.
- Coventry City: Standout team in the Championship, with 29 non-penalty set-piece goals and a positive swing of 16 goals. Their potential in this area is notable, but they face challenges in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool: These teams allowed the most goals from set pieces, with Palace's negative swing of nine goals being the worst in the division.
Key Players and Set-Piece Specialists
Several players have emerged as set-piece specialists, with significant impacts on their teams' success:
- Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United's star player, with 21 assists in the Premier League last season. His set-piece prowess is evident, with 11 assists from set-piece situations, including seven from first-time crosses.
- Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool's Hungarian midfielder, who often took corners from both sides of the pitch. His set-piece abilities are further enhanced by his direct free-kick attempts, with 14 attempts and four goals.
- Harry Wilson: Leeds United's left-footed specialist, who is likely to take corners from the right. His arrival threatens the value of Anton Stach, who took an even number of corners from both sides.
- Declan Rice: Arsenal's central player, who led in corners, indirect free-kicks, and throw-ins. His set-piece routines are influenced by coach Nicolas Jover.
- Igor Thiago: Brentford's Brazilian forward, who is expected to continue taking penalties and scoring goals.
Set-Piece Receivers and Expected Goals
While set-piece takers are crucial, the receivers also play a significant role. Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool stands out, scoring four goals after making the first contact on crossed corners.
Solio's tools, utilizing Opta data, allow users to sort players by expected goals from set plays, excluding penalties. Malick Thiaw of Newcastle leads the list with 4.7 xG, followed by Casemiro and Marc Guéhi.
Conclusion
As set pieces continue to shape the Premier League, FPL managers must carefully consider their strategies. Understanding who takes set pieces and who benefits from them is essential for identifying the real value in the game. Solio's projections and insights will be invaluable in this evolving landscape, helping managers make informed decisions and build competitive squads.
