Pro Pundits

Which FPL assets are strong at set-piece situations?

One of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman, looks at the Premier League players who are prospering from free-kicks and corners.

As part of our Members Articles Unlocked week, all sections from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area will be FREE for everyone to access in this piece.


Set pieces are an important tool in the modern game, with top teams placing more importance on them than ever.

Ahead of the 2018 World Cup, Gareth Southgate visited 2014 Super Bowl winners Seattle Seahawks and consulted set-piece specialists in both the NFL and NBA in an attempt to give England an edge.

With set pieces at the heart of their gameplan, they reached their first tournament semi-final in 22 years.

Around the same time, Jurgen Klopp ordered a complete overhaul of Liverpool’s set-piece routines, which led to the appointment of dedicated throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark.

While some pundits and fans found the idea baffling, the Reds now retain possession from throw-ins 68.4% of the time, compared to just 45.5% prior to Gronnemark’s arrival.

At the top level, small details can make all the difference.

This season, no team across Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1) have scored more goals from set plays than Newcastle United, with 12.

That accounts for a massive 50% of their total (24).

When looking at the Magpies’ scorers this season, you’ll notice they are mostly defenders.

Knowing they pose a threat at set pieces, and have a kind run of fixtures ahead (see below), backing one of their budget centre-backs like Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m) or Federico Fernández (£4.4m), who has two goals and two assists in 15 starts, could pay off.

Also, Matt Ritchie’s (£5.3m) return from injury and role as a set-piece taker means his first attacking return of the season surely isn’t far away.

Last season in the Premier League, 147 goals were scored from corners.

Burnley were the most efficient, with 7.1% leading to goals, and this season, no other team has a higher xG from set plays.

With Ashley Westwood’s (£5.3m) clever corners often targeting him, Chris Wood (£6.2m) has already bagged five set-piece goals, two more than any other player.

The appeal with the Clarets is that we know how they like to play – long balls up to the two strikers, with an emphasis on winning second balls – and whilst they don’t create many chances, only six teams have a higher xG per shot, which is encouraging.

With 30 Premier League goals since the start of the 2017/18 campaign, Wood is on the Watchlist.

Remarkably, Aston Villa are the only team in the Premier League not to score a headed goal all season.

The signing of Tanzanian forward Mbwana Samatta (£6.0m) from KRC Genk, will look to address that.

All three of his goals in the Champions League this season were scored with his head, including his equaliser at Anfield back in November.

Having played recent matches without a recognised striker, Villa now have a much-needed focal point, and the hope is Samatta’s arrival will ease the burden on Jack Grealish (£6.7m).

In my last article I talked about Southampton, with Alex McCarthy (£4.4m) and Jack Stephens (4.4m) my preferred route into their defence.

However, having watched their recent 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, Ryan Bertrand (£4.8m) could be worth the extra outlay.

His performance was as good as I’ve seen from him in a Saints shirt, with his link-up play with Nathan Redmond (£6.2m) down the left side causing all sorts of problems for the Palace defence.

Only Shane Long (£4.6m) and Michael Obafemi (£4.9m) took up more advanced positions at Selhurst Park.

Since returning to the starting XI in Gameweek 13, Bertrand’s 462 touches in the opposition half is bettered by only five other defenders, whilst he sits in the top ten amongst defenders for xA over the same period.

Looking ahead, transfer plans are on hold till Gameweek 24 is complete and Villa’s opponents in the Carabao Cup Final have been confirmed, but for now, here’s how I’m currently set up.

For those who have been following, you’ll notice I sold Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) last week.

At the time of selling, his fixture run was as follows…

With a likely blank against Arsenal in Gameweek 28, and a possible shift in emphasis towards the Champions League, I decided to cash in, replacing him with Son Heung-min (£9.9m), who faced Norwich City at home.

Turns out they both scored seven points in Gameweek 24, so let’s see how that one plays out over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for reading… until next time.


Tom Freeman – aka avfc82 – comes onto the team to make most of us feel wildly insecure about our overall rank history. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user, he has finished inside the top 1,000 a staggering five times since 2009.

489 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Danny Rose to Newcastle on the cards now.

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That a threat to Ritchie starting spot?

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Must have some impact. Ritchie can play down either side though.

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Has to be

  2. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mane seems to be out "only" Soton game. I understand majority getting rid but why is everyone getting rid - am I missing something?

    I think keeping him. Amazing player and would want back anyway so why ditch because of one game missed?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lots keeping now, you should too if you can afford to bench him.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Although probably more than 1, Norwich doubtful too I'd say.

      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yep that is the major risk imo. Two good games out would be bad obviously so need to assess how likely that is.

  3. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on the following moves? (-4)

    Vardy, Manè & Söyüncü -> Auba, Traore & Robbo

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yay

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Similar idea to mine below.
      Like yours only for a -4.

    3. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’d want Kun - got him?

    4. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

      1. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        In 2 GW you will regret it

    5. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don’t think Vardy to Auba is worth the -4

  4. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Lundstrum,Mane,Deeney >> VVD,Traore,Aubamayang worth a -8?

    Or keep Deeney v Everton and just do the other two for -4.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do it, Deeney unlikely to go berserk and Auba just might.

    2. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

  5. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mane to Salah for a hit?
    Seems he is missing one match only but it is a long wait until gw26.

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ings/Williams/Soy are my sub, Cantwell in the starting XI who looks to be doubtful also

      1. caldracula
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Just play Ings

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably. Otherwise could jsut start Ings, what is the worst thing that can happen?

  6. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What are thoughts about Ritchie? Is he nailed with Willems out injured? Also is he on penalties or any set pieces?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Danny Rose circling, but maybe he'll switch sides?
      On FKs and probably pens (though NUFC have yet to be awarded one this season).

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ritchie can play midfield too?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          And this. You're very good at this whole advice thing Jarv.

      2. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks! Rose news is definitely worth keeping an eye on but will wait till deadline for the transfer so should know by then.

        I think that he might be a good Soyuncu replacement; was originally considering Stevens but doubling up on Sheffield Utd with the blank incoming doesn't really make sense.

  7. I Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Seems like not taking a hit this week could give a decent rank rise.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Or hitting WC 🙂

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Indeed.

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        😛

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      This gamr is about enjoyment as well as rank so I hit the WC button and I'm very pleased about my team now.

  8. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan
    Lundstram TAA Holgate
    Salah Martial Mane* KDB
    Vardy Maupay Ings
    Button Kelly Soyuncu Dendo
    0.7m 1ft

    A. Save.
    B. Soy to Lascelles and bench Mane.
    C. Mane+Maupay to Traore+Auba (-4)
    D. B plus Vardy to Auba (-4)
    E. Other

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Did I say B before?

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Probably - just in a bit of a funk.
        I actually could take the opportunity to switch to double pool defence for a hit thinking about it.

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Kelly to Robbo/VVD and Mane to Grealish/Traore?

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yes. It'd probably be Traore as a non-blanker. Hmm.

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Save

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Tricky one. B would be my guess.

      Lascelles+Maupay vs. Traore+Auba (-4)

      6+6 vs. 5+9 (-4)

      12 vs. 10

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Good way of looking at it - though Auba would be for the long stretch hopefully

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          So would Mané surely if fit? 🙂

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Touché!

    4. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B or C

  9. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea apparently trying to sign Dries Mertens from Napoli

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Could be an interesting one, but why would Napoli sell at this time of year?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I have heard that he hasn't been performing too well lately

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would be ironic if Chelsea fought to get the transfer ban lifted and they then end up not signing anyone

  10. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Team not playing in GW28?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Middle of previous page

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Man City
      Arsenal
      Villa
      Sheff Utd

      Unless Man U Smash City!

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Now I hope even more we smash City!

      2. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Hilarious if Utd somehow scraped through, Woodward would be attacking fans' houses with fireworks.

      3. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  11. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A. Robertson, Hayden
    B. Van Dijk, Fleck

    Fleck and Hayden would be 8th attackers

    Rest of mid/attack: Salah, KDB, Grealish, Traoré, Vardy, Auba and Ings

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

  12. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best Mid 9m or below excluding Grealish / Traore?

    Seems really slim pickings, Mahrez but he has a knock and is heavily rotated? Rich has some rough fixtures coming up. Mads is playing well but not producing, plus some tricky fixtures in next 3.

    Who would you go for?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Martial. Not a lot there.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Punt on Bruno Fernandes? Or he might lift Tony M's game.

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks I think it would be Martial of the two, he's just such a frustrating player!

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Martial or maddison I guess

  13. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who is on your watchlist?
    Mine is..

    Bruno
    KWP
    Rose/Ritchie
    Mooy
    Richarlison

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good picks

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks!
        You recommended Mooy instead of Fleck to me on the previous page.

        What is your thoughts on him over Fleck? He just doesn’t seem like a good pick?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cheap.
          Nailed
          Playing as No. 10 with a few decent scores since he came in the team
          Playing GW 28
          Brighton decent at home and WHU (away) this week

        2. Shineonme
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Hahaha

          1. Champions League Varane
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you! Going to probably get him over Fleck now...

  14. Mortal.Swinbat
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Aguero (C) this week?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Him or Grealish for me!

      Fear of Spurs sitting deep.

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He could do really well but I think I will stick with Salah.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Southampton top of chances conceded lately.. Doesnt get more obbvious than Salah at home for this one I think

  15. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is it a good idea to use your WC before a DGW? When the DGW done how do you get a normal team back? Without 2 triples of a team and 2 doubles?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You can't.
      You can though by using FH for that DGW

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      The players you want for a DGW tend to be from the good teams, so there isn't usually too much of a mess to clean up afterwards.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Depends how well they do 😉

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Well, if you do it in GW37 and it is a shitshow it's season over anyway 🙂

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You just make reverse transfers and you have your old team back. It is easy and possible. Naturally there is always price to pay.

  16. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Richarlison ok for next GW?

  17. Kaiser123
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Folks need help. I have to some surgery with using WC. Im 25 points ahead in ML, so feel i can afford a few hits. Mane and Tammy seem the culprits to get rids, perhaps only Tammy and pray for Mane.

    MCart
    TAA Robbo Lund
    KDB Grealish Son Fleck Mane
    Vardy Tammy Ings

    Button Kiko Kelly

    1. Kaiser123
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      without using WC i mean

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Abraham to Jimenez will do the job

  18. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on the following moves? (-4)

    DCL, Manè & Söyüncü -> Auba, Fleck & Robbo

  19. Checko
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    GTG? Split between Vardy and Auba. I am on a WC

    Henderson
    TAA lascelles Lund
    KDB Salah Traore Grealish
    Jimmy Ings Auba

    mccarthy, o'connell, kelly, hayden

    1. Checko
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Should mention this team leaves me with 0.5 ITB

      I was considering downgrading Jimi to DCL and maybe upgrading elsewhere, and maybe just sticking with Vardy over Auba.

  20. Mainswitch
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone seeing Bourne vs Villa as goals galore.? Is Callum Wilson worth a one week punt then?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not me

  21. Pedersen
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Liverpool def seems awesome value recently, so are considering

    Ryan, button
    TAA, Robertson, VVD, Soy, Lund
    Bruyne, Mahrez, Son, Grealish, Traore
    Vardy, Jimenez, Ings.

    Thoughts?

  22. seanh17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What are peoples thoughts on Perez? need a differential in my WC with a max of 6.5 price.