In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy football, the importance of set-piece takers cannot be overstated. As the 2026-27 Premier League season approaches, FPL managers are gearing up to make strategic decisions that could make or break their squads. With a focus on marginal gains, every club is seeking an edge, and set pieces have emerged as a critical battleground. This article delves into the key players and trends that will shape the set-piece landscape this season, offering insights and commentary to guide FPL managers in their quest for success.
The Set-Piece Revolution
The 2025-26 Premier League campaign saw a significant shift in the importance of set pieces. With 27.4% of all goals coming from non-penalty set-pieces, the second-highest proportion in the competition's history, it's clear that this trend is here to stay. Corners, in particular, were at an all-time high, accounting for 18% of all goals, up from 12.1% the season before. This data underscores the growing importance of set-piece coaches and the players who thrive in these situations.
Strong Set-Piece Teams
Arsenal, the title-winners, led the way from set pieces, scoring an incredible 25 non-penalty set-piece goals while conceding only eight, for a positive swing of 17 goals. Tottenham Hotspur, despite finishing one place above the relegation zone, were the second-best team from set plays, with a positive swing of 10 goals. These numbers highlight the impact that set-piece strategies can have on a team's overall performance.
Player Focus: Bruno Fernandes
One player who stood out in set-piece situations was Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United star assisted 21 goals in the Premier League last season, setting a new competition record. His brilliance at set plays is a key contributor to his status as the second most expensive player in FPL this season, priced at £12.0m. Solio's predicted points feature agrees with Fernandes' status as the game's second most dangerous player, projecting an average of 6.12 points-per-game for the United captain across the first six gameweeks.
The Rise of the Inswinging Corner
Inswinging corners are very much in vogue in the Premier League, with 2,643 inswinging corners last season compared to just 541 outswingers. This trend has a significant impact on player totals, and Solio's projections reflect this, with United's corner taker from the right more likely to be one of Bryan Mbeumo or Luke Shaw – both left-footed options. Understanding this trend is crucial for FPL managers when selecting players based on their likelihood to take set pieces.
Player Focus: Anton Stach vs Harry Wilson
Leeds United's Anton Stach bucked the overall trend, taking an even number of corners from either side of the pitch last season. However, the signing of Harry Wilson, one of the Premier League's most dangerous left-footers, is likely to provide clarity. Wilson is projected to be Leeds' most likely corner taker from the right, while Stach's set-piece proficiency could be threatened by Wilson's arrival.
Player Focus: Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai is another player worth monitoring. Like Stach, the Hungarian often took corners from both sides of the pitch last season. However, the arrival of Iraola and his set-piece staff complicates matters, as their approach to set pieces could impact Szoboszlai's numbers. Despite this, Szoboszlai is projected to be great value at £7.0m, and his versatility in set-piece situations makes him a must-have for many FPL managers.
Penalty Takers and Uncertainty
Penalty takers are a critical area of focus for FPL managers, and several clubs are still uncertain about spot-kick duties heading into the season. Brentford's Igor Thiago, for instance, is projected to outscore Alexander Isak over the first 10 gameweeks despite costing £1m less. However, the uncertainty surrounding penalties makes it a challenging area to predict, and Solio models projected set-piece hierarchies to account for new signings and changing dynamics.
Set-Piece Receivers to Target
Understanding who benefits from set pieces is just as important as tracking goals and assists. Virgil van Dijk, for instance, stood out in this regard, scoring a league-high four goals after making the first contact on crossed corners. As set pieces continue to account for an ever-growing share of Premier League goals, identifying the real FPL value in set-piece receivers will be crucial for managers looking to gain an edge.
In conclusion, the 2026-27 Premier League season promises to be a set-piece extravaganza, with every club seeking an edge in this critical area. From the players who take the set pieces to those who benefit from them, understanding the dynamics of set pieces will be key for FPL managers looking to make strategic decisions and build successful squads. As the season unfolds, the set-piece revolution will continue to shape the landscape of fantasy football, offering new opportunities and challenges for managers to navigate.
