Back three or back four and promoted-player minutes
Liverpool
Andoni Iraola
June 2026
Pressing system and post-Salah attacking roles
Manchester City
Enzo Maresca
June 2026
Midfield control, full-backs and rotation
Nottingham Forest
Oliver Glasner
July 2026
Wing-backs and Gibbs-White behind the striker
Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Tottenham's Roberto De Zerbi begin their first full seasons after taking over during 2025/26, but they are not summer appointments.
Bournemouth under Marco Rose
Rose has used intense pressing and flexible attacking structures during his coaching career.
Kroupi's surgery creates an immediate tactical problem.
Possible FPL winners
Rayan, if used closer to goal
Tavernier, if given the number 10 role
Evanilson, if his central minutes remain secure
Alex Scott, if he becomes the main creator
Possible losers
Wide attackers rotated around Europa League matches
Defenders if the pressing system takes time to settle
Players selected only because of last season's role under Iraola
Main watch: The shape behind Evanilson.
Chelsea under Xabi Alonso
Alonso's success at Bayer Leverkusen was built around a 3-4-2-1.
Official FPL analysis suggests Cole Palmer could occupy a central attacking role behind João Pedro if that system is repeated.
Possible FPL winners
Palmer in a central attacking role
João Pedro as the starting number nine
Reece James or another wing-back with secure minutes
Morgan Rogers as one of the attacking midfielders
Possible losers
Traditional wingers without a clear role
Centre-backs facing heavy competition
Expensive wing-backs who rotate
Main watch: Which two players operate behind the striker.
Crystal Palace under Pierre Sage
Palace previously benefited from a wing-back system that supported Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell.
A new manager means those roles cannot be assumed.
Possible FPL winners
Muñoz if the wing-back role survives
Mateta or Strand Larsen as central focal point
An attacking midfielder playing close to the striker
Possible losers
Palace defenders if the structure becomes more open
One of the wing-backs if Sage uses a back four
Rotating wide forwards
Main watch: Back three versus back four.
Fulham under Alvaro Arbeloa
Arbeloa has emphasised pressing during early training.
That can increase the physical demands on full-backs and attacking midfielders.
Possible FPL winners
Ryan Sessegnon as a newly classified defender in an advanced role
Antonee Robinson if he remains first choice
Alex Iwobi in a high pressing and creative position
The first-choice central striker
Possible losers
Older players facing reduced minutes
Full-backs if responsibilities are shared
Attackers who do not fit the press
Main watch: Sessegnon's position and minutes.
Ipswich under Gary O'Neil
O'Neil must adapt a promoted squad to Premier League opposition.
His choice between a back three and back four will determine the value of Leif Davis, Jack Clarke and the centre-backs.
Possible FPL winners
Davis when used as an attacking wing-back
Clarke when he stays high and wide
A central striker with penalties
Defensive midfielders who collect contributions
Possible losers
Full-backs used more conservatively
Championship attackers asked to defend deeper
Centre-forwards sharing minutes
Main watch: The formation selected in the final friendly.
Liverpool under Andoni Iraola
Iraola arrives after leading Bournemouth into Europe.
Liverpool are also adapting after Mohamed Salah's departure.
Possible FPL winners
Isak as the central striker
Szoboszlai if penalties or an advanced role become available
Wirtz as a central creator
Aggressive full-backs in a pressing system
Possible losers
Wide attackers facing rotation
Players who struggle with pressing demands
Deeper midfielders with limited direct returns
Main watch: The front three and penalty hierarchy.
Manchester City under Enzo Maresca
Maresca replaces Pep Guardiola and must also manage Rodri's early absence.
Possible FPL winners
Haaland as the clear attacking leader
Foden if used centrally
Anderson if he gains midfield starts
Attacking defenders in an inverted system
Possible losers
Any defender without secure starts
Central midfielders rotated around Champions League matches
Wide attackers sharing minutes
Main watch: The deepest midfielder and full-back roles.
Nottingham Forest under Oliver Glasner
Glasner has frequently used a back three with wing-backs.
Official pre-season analysis suggests Neco Williams and Ola Aina could occupy advanced roles, while Morgan Gibbs-White may play behind a lone striker.
Possible FPL winners
Gibbs-White close to the striker
Williams and Aina as wing-backs
Chris Wood as the focal point
Centre-backs collecting defensive contributions
Possible losers
Traditional wingers without a place in the shape
Full-backs who lose out in the wing-back competition
Midfielders moved deeper
Main watch: The two players behind the striker.
First full seasons to monitor
Club
Manager
Why it matters
Manchester United
Michael Carrick
Bruno thrived, but Champions League rotation now returns
Tottenham
Roberto De Zerbi
Improved late defensive numbers and no European football
Manchester United
Carrick
Dorgu, Cunha, Mbeumo and Amad compete in advanced roles
Tottenham
De Zerbi
New centre-backs and goalkeeper competition reshape defence
How to handle new-manager uncertainty
Do not select a player only because a theoretical formation looks attractive.
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
Find five FPL team-name ideas for every 2026/27 Premier League club, including Arsenal, Liverpool, promoted clubs and all 20 teams.
