Eight New Premier League Managers: FPL Winners, Losers and Tactical Changes

Manager list checked: 31 July 2026

The current official Premier League manager list shows eight clubs with new head coaches appointed during summer 2026.

An earlier count of seven became outdated after Oliver Glasner joined Nottingham Forest in July.

The eight summer managerial changes

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

How to handle new-manager uncertainty

Do not select a player only because a theoretical formation looks attractive.

Require evidence:

1. Repeated starts
2. Consistent position
3. Meaningful minutes
4. Stable set pieces
5. Strong opening fixtures
6. Limited competition

Use the OneFPL Player Lab, OneFPL Compare and OneFPL Fixtures to review each player after the final friendlies.

OneFPL verdict

The strongest potential winners are Palmer, Gibbs-White, Haaland and the attacking wing-backs who secure first-choice roles.

The greatest risks are Chelsea's depth, City's rotation, Liverpool's new attack and promoted-player roles under O'Neil.

FAQ

How many clubs have new summer managers?

Eight according to the current official Premier League manager list.

Why did earlier reports say seven?

The earlier league analysis was published before Oliver Glasner's July appointment at Nottingham Forest.

Which manager change matters most for FPL?

Maresca at Manchester City and Alonso at Chelsea affect the largest number of premium assets.

Should I avoid all players under new managers?

No. Select players when pre-season provides clear evidence about minutes and role.

Official sources

• Official 2026/27 manager list
• Official FPL pre-season tactical watch

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.