07 Jan, 2025

Should I Focus on Penalty Takers and Set-Piece Specialists?

FPL is all about strategy, statistics, and a bit of luck. If you are a manager aiming to climb the rankings, you may wonder whether to prioritise penalty-takers or set-piece specialists in your squad. These players can boost points in certain situations and are often major contributors to their teams. In this article, we will cover the pros, cons, and strategic considerations of focusing on such players in FPL. 

Why Penalty Takers Are Important

Penalty takers have a straightforward path to points. When there’s a penalty, the designated taker has a good chance to score. Generally, penalties have a very high conversion rate. Since penalties are usually due to VAR decisions, their frequency has remained steady in recent seasons.

Scoring Opportunities

Players who take penalties, especially forwards or midfielders, are opportune to add goals to their tallies. Midfielders earn four points per goal and forwards earn five points. There is also a chance to secure bonus points for decisive contributions. Stay updated with OPTA Match Stats for live data straight from the Premier League’s official statistics provider.

Differential Potential

It is always best to choose a less popular penalty taker as a differential. For instance, if a defender like James Ward-Prowse takes penalties and converts often, their output can be better than that of conventional FPL picks. 

Protip: Use FPL Player Rankings to find the best players ranked by position for the upcoming 5 Gameweeks.

The Role of Set-Piece Specialists

Set-piece specialists are not often prioritised but can be extremely valuable. These players are responsible for corners, free kicks, and penalties. Thereby offering different avenues for points. Yes, they are not always high goal scorers, but their ability to assist goals can be unmatched in FPL.

Assist Potential

Set-piece specialists are good at creating chances for their teammates. Assists are worth three points each. So, if they involve in set pieces regularly, they are more likely to accumulate these points. Consider using our FPL Guidebook to master how FPL points are awarded and gain insights on maximizing returns.

Bonus Points System (BPS)

FPL’s Bonus Points System rewards players for contributions like successful crosses, chances created, and goal involvement. Generally, set-piece takers perform well in these areas, giving them an advantage in claiming bonus points. 

Factors to Consider Before Focusing on These Players

While penalty takers and set-piece specialists have their benefits, several factors should guide your decision-making.

Team Quality and Form

Bear in mind that all teams does not earn the same number of penalties or score frequently from set pieces. So, your target should be players from teams that dominate possession, spend more time in the opposition’s penalty area, and generate scoring opportunities. Use Transfer Wizard to quickly identify top-performing players from these teams.

Rotation and Minutes Played

Top teams usually rotate their squads, especially during congested fixtures. Make sure to select a regular starter as a penalty taker or set-piece specialist. Missing out on penalties or free-kick opportunities due to rotation can be frustrating and cost valuable points.

Price and Value

Yes, premium players like Salah or De Bruyne offer reliability, but they are expensive. Budget constraints might make you consider mid-priced or budget options. Consider going for affordable set-piece specialists like James Ward-Prowse or Pascal Gross as they can provide excellent value. Check our FPL Player Rankings to find budget-friendly gems.

How to Balance Your FPL Squad

Focusing only on penalty-takers and set-piece specialists may result to an imbalanced team. While they offer unique scoring opportunities, make sure they complement your strategy instead of dominating it.

Diversify Your Attack

Ensure your squad includes both players who contribute through open play and those with set-piece responsibilities. This balance can protect your team from relying too much on specific scoring situations. Need help deciding? Use the FPL Guidebook for strategic insights.

Analyse Fixtures

Set-piece specialists and penalty-takers often do well against weaker opponents. Before transferring such players into your squad, evaluate the fixture list.

Conclusion

Penalty takers and set-piece specialists are both great assets in FPL. They offer high-scoring potential and consistency. 

Whether you’re targeting a premium midfielder or a budget-friendly specialist, always understand their role and maximising their potential. This can make a great difference in your season. And remember, tools like Transfer Wizard and resources like Game Week Tips are here to make your decisions easier and more effective.