Making informed decisions in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is crucial. Ever wonder what the vice-captain gets in fantasy football? The vice-captain in FPL acts as a backup; if your captain doesn’t play, your vice-captain’s points are doubled instead. This guide from CAUHOI2025.UK.COM will provide you with expert insight into FPL strategies and optimizing your team. Learn more about FPL strategy, points doubling, and team optimization with us!
1. Understanding the Vice-Captain Role in Fantasy Premier League (FPL)
In Fantasy Premier League (FPL), choosing a captain is essential since their points are doubled each game week. However, an equally important, though often overlooked, role is that of the vice-captain. The vice-captain serves as a crucial safety net. If your designated captain doesn’t play for any reason, the vice-captain’s points are doubled instead. This mechanism ensures you don’t lose out on valuable points due to unforeseen circumstances such as injuries, unexpected benchings, or game postponements. Selecting your vice-captain carefully can significantly stabilize your team’s performance.
1.1. Why the Vice-Captain Matters
The importance of your vice-captain in FPL cannot be overstated. The Premier League is highly unpredictable, and players can miss games due to various reasons, including injuries, illness, or tactical decisions made by their managers. If your captain is sidelined, your vice-captain steps in to ensure you still benefit from doubled points. Over the course of a season, this can make a substantial difference to your overall score. Failing to nominate a vice-captain or consistently overlooking this role is a common mistake that can cost you valuable points in the long run.
1.2. Strategic Selection of Your Vice-Captain
Selecting your vice-captain should be a strategic decision, not an afterthought. Ideally, you want to choose a player who is almost guaranteed to start and has a good chance of scoring points, whether through goals, assists, or clean sheets. Consider factors such as their form, their team’s upcoming fixture, and their historical performance. A player who consistently delivers solid performances is a safer bet than someone who is prone to inconsistency or rotation. The key is to mitigate risk while still aiming for a decent points return.
2. How the Vice-Captain’s Points are Calculated
The primary function of your vice-captain in FPL is to act as a failsafe for your captain. The calculation is straightforward: if your captain does not feature in the game at all, the points scored by your vice-captain are doubled. This includes all points earned from goals, assists, clean sheets, bonus points, and any other actions that contribute to a player’s score. It is important to note that this doubling only occurs if the captain doesn’t play; if the captain plays even a single minute, their points count as normal, and the vice-captain’s points are not affected.
2.1. Example Scenarios
To illustrate how this works, consider a few scenarios:
- Scenario 1: Your captain is injured in the warm-up and doesn’t play. Your vice-captain scores 8 points. Those 8 points are doubled, giving you 16 points from the vice-captain.
- Scenario 2: Your captain plays 30 minutes and scores 2 points. Your vice-captain scores 10 points. In this case, only the captain’s 2 points are counted (not doubled), and the vice-captain’s 10 points are added as normal.
- Scenario 3: Both your captain and vice-captain do not play. In this unfortunate situation, you receive zero doubled points for either position, highlighting the risk mitigation strategy.
2.2. Common Misconceptions
There are some common misconceptions about how the vice-captain’s points are calculated. One frequent misunderstanding is that the vice-captain’s points are always doubled, regardless of whether the captain plays. This is incorrect. The doubling effect only applies if the captain doesn’t play any minutes in the game week. Another misconception is that you can transfer the captaincy to the vice-captain manually during a game week if the captain is benched. Once the game week has started, you cannot change your captain or vice-captain.
3. Strategies for Choosing a Reliable Vice-Captain
Selecting a dependable vice-captain requires a mix of analysis, foresight, and an understanding of potential risks. The goal is to identify players who are likely to start, perform well, and are not prone to sudden absences. Here are some strategies to guide your decision-making:
3.1. Prioritize Secure Starters
Look for players who are nailed-on starters in their respective teams. These are players who consistently feature in the starting lineup and are unlikely to be rotated unless due to injury or suspension. Secure starters provide a level of certainty that they will play, increasing the likelihood of them scoring points.
3.2. Consider Form and Fixtures
Evaluate the current form of potential vice-captains, as well as their upcoming fixtures. A player in good form is more likely to deliver a solid performance, while favorable fixtures (i.e., matches against weaker opponents) increase the chances of attacking returns or clean sheets. Use resources like the Fantasy Football Fix Planner to assess the difficulty of upcoming matches.
3.3. Diversify Your Captain and Vice-Captain Choices
Avoid selecting your captain and vice-captain from the same team. While it might seem logical to double down on a strong team, this strategy increases your risk. If that team has an unexpected bad game or their match is postponed, you could lose out on doubled points from both positions. Diversifying your choices spreads the risk and increases your chances of at least one player performing well.
3.4. Monitor Injury and Suspension News
Stay updated on the latest injury and suspension news. Knowing which players are doubtful or ruled out can help you make informed decisions about your captain and vice-captain. Resources like Premier Injuries can provide timely updates on player availability.
3.5. Review Historical Performance
Assess the historical performance of potential vice-captains. Look at their average points per game, consistency, and track record against different types of opponents. Players with a proven history of delivering consistent returns are generally safer bets.
4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Selecting Your Vice-Captain
Even with a well-thought-out strategy, it’s easy to fall into common traps when selecting your vice-captain. Awareness of these pitfalls can help you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.
4.1. Ignoring the Vice-Captain Altogether
One of the biggest mistakes FPL managers make is overlooking the vice-captain role altogether. Failing to nominate a vice-captain is essentially gambling that your captain will always play. This is a risky approach, as unforeseen circumstances can arise at any time. Always ensure you have a designated vice-captain, even if it seems like a formality.
4.2. Choosing a Risky or Unlikely Starter
Selecting a vice-captain who is not a secure starter is another common mistake. Players who are prone to rotation, recently returning from injury, or out of form are risky choices. The goal is to minimize risk, so prioritize players who are almost guaranteed to start and have a good chance of scoring points.
4.3. Overreacting to Short-Term Form
While form is an important consideration, avoid overreacting to short-term trends. A player who has had a couple of good games might be tempting, but their underlying statistics and long-term track record are more reliable indicators of their potential. Base your decision on a balanced assessment of form, fixtures, and historical performance.
4.4. Neglecting Fixture Difficulty
Failing to consider the difficulty of upcoming fixtures can also lead to poor vice-captain choices. A player might be in good form, but if they are facing a tough opponent, their chances of scoring points could be diminished. Use fixture difficulty ratings to inform your decision-making.
4.5. Sticking with the Same Vice-Captain Every Week
While it’s tempting to stick with a reliable vice-captain week after week, this approach can be limiting. The optimal choice can change depending on form, fixtures, and player availability. Be flexible and adapt your vice-captain selection based on the specific circumstances of each game week.
5. Utilizing FPL Tools for Vice-Captain Selection
Several FPL tools can assist you in making informed decisions about your vice-captain. These tools provide valuable data and insights that can help you identify the best candidates each week.
5.1. Fantasy Football Fix Planner
The Fantasy Football Fix Planner is a powerful tool for assessing fixture difficulty and projecting player points. By analyzing upcoming matches, the planner can help you identify players who are likely to perform well based on their opponents. This is invaluable for identifying potential vice-captains with favorable fixtures.
5.2. Assistant Manager
The Assistant Manager tool uses an algorithm to project your two highest-scoring players for you. This can be a useful starting point for identifying potential captain and vice-captain choices. The tool considers factors such as form, fixtures, and historical performance to generate its projections.
5.3. Premier Injuries
Staying updated on the latest injury and suspension news is crucial for making informed decisions about your vice-captain. Premier Injuries provides timely updates on player availability, helping you avoid selecting a vice-captain who is likely to miss the game week.
5.4. FPL Statistics Websites
Websites like FPL Statistics provide detailed data on player performance, including points per game, consistency, and underlying statistics. Analyzing this data can help you identify players with a proven track record of delivering consistent returns.
6. Case Studies: Successful Vice-Captain Choices
To illustrate the impact of a well-chosen vice-captain, let’s examine a few case studies from past FPL seasons.
6.1. Case Study 1: Jamie Vardy, Gameweek 14, 2019/20
In Gameweek 14 of the 2019/20 season, many FPL managers captained a popular choice who blanked (failed to score). However, those who had Jamie Vardy as their vice-captain were rewarded. Vardy scored a hat-trick, and his points were doubled, providing a significant boost to those managers’ scores.
6.2. Case Study 2: Mohamed Salah, Gameweek 36, 2021/22
In Gameweek 36 of the 2021/22 season, Mohamed Salah was a popular captaincy choice. However, he was unexpectedly benched. Managers who had a reliable vice-captain, such as Son Heung-min, benefited as Son scored two goals, and his points were doubled, mitigating the impact of Salah’s absence.
6.3. Case Study 3: Harry Kane, Gameweek 25, 2023/24
In a week where many premium assets failed to deliver, Harry Kane, as vice-captain, stepped up with a brace, providing much-needed points for FPL managers who had him in that role.
These case studies highlight the importance of having a reliable vice-captain who can step up when your captain fails to deliver.
7. Managing Risk vs. Reward with Your Vice-Captain
In FPL, it’s essential to balance risk and reward when selecting your vice-captain. While it’s tempting to go for a high-risk, high-reward player who could potentially score big, this approach can be risky. A safer strategy is to prioritize secure starters with a good chance of scoring points, even if their potential returns are not as high.
7.1. Assessing Risk Factors
When evaluating potential vice-captains, consider the following risk factors:
- Rotation Risk: How likely is the player to be rotated?
- Injury Risk: Is the player carrying any knocks or recently returning from injury?
- Fixture Difficulty: How tough is the upcoming fixture?
- Form: Is the player in good form?
7.2. Balancing Risk and Reward
The optimal approach is to strike a balance between risk and reward. Look for players who are likely to start, in good form, and have a favorable fixture. However, also consider their potential for high returns. A player who consistently delivers solid performances is a safer bet than someone who is prone to inconsistency or rotation.
7.3. Adjusting Your Strategy
Depending on your overall FPL strategy, you might choose to adjust your risk tolerance. If you are chasing points in your mini-league, you might be willing to take more risks with your vice-captain. However, if you are aiming for a steady, consistent performance, a more conservative approach is generally advisable.
8. The Impact of Game Postponements on Vice-Captain Selection
Game postponements can significantly impact your vice-captain selection. When a game is postponed, players involved in that match will not score any points. This can be particularly problematic if both your captain and vice-captain are involved in postponed games.
8.1. Strategies for Dealing with Postponements
To mitigate the impact of game postponements, consider the following strategies:
- Monitor News: Stay updated on the latest news regarding potential game postponements.
- Diversify Your Choices: Avoid selecting your captain and vice-captain from teams that are likely to have their games postponed.
- Plan Ahead: Have a backup plan in case your captain and vice-captain are both affected by postponements.
8.2. Using Free Hits and Wildcards
In extreme cases, you might consider using your Free Hit or Wildcard chip to navigate a week with widespread game postponements. These chips allow you to make unlimited transfers for a single game week, enabling you to field a team of players who are guaranteed to play.
9. Real-World Examples of Vice-Captain Success and Failure
Analyzing real-world examples of vice-captain choices can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t.
9.1. Example 1: Success – Kevin De Bruyne, Gameweek 19, 2022/23
In Gameweek 19 of the 2022/23 season, many FPL managers captained Erling Haaland, who was a doubt due to injury. Those who had Kevin De Bruyne as their vice-captain were rewarded as De Bruyne scored a goal and provided an assist, delivering a solid points return.
9.2. Example 2: Failure – Marcus Rashford, Gameweek 28, 2023/24
In Gameweek 28 of the 2023/24 season, Marcus Rashford was a popular vice-captain choice. However, he failed to deliver, scoring only two points. This highlighted the risk of relying on a player who is prone to inconsistency.
9.3. Lessons Learned
These examples illustrate the importance of careful planning, risk assessment, and staying updated on the latest news. A well-chosen vice-captain can be a valuable asset, while a poor choice can cost you valuable points.
10. Optimizing Your FPL Strategy with a Strong Vice-Captain Choice
In conclusion, the vice-captain role in FPL is more than just a backup plan; it’s an integral part of your overall strategy. By carefully selecting a reliable vice-captain each week, you can mitigate risk, stabilize your team’s performance, and increase your chances of success.
10.1. Key Takeaways
- Always nominate a vice-captain.
- Prioritize secure starters with a good chance of scoring points.
- Consider form, fixtures, and historical performance.
- Diversify your captain and vice-captain choices.
- Stay updated on injury and suspension news.
- Use FPL tools to inform your decisions.
- Balance risk and reward.
- Adjust your strategy based on your overall goals.
10.2. Final Thoughts
The Fantasy Premier League is a game of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. By mastering the art of vice-captain selection, you can give yourself a significant advantage and increase your chances of winning your mini-leagues. Remember to stay informed, adapt to changing circumstances, and always have a backup plan.
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FAQ: Vice Captain in Fantasy Football
Q1: What happens if my captain doesn’t play in FPL?
If your captain doesn’t play, the points of your vice-captain are doubled instead.
Q2: Can I change my captain or vice-captain after the gameweek starts?
No, once the gameweek has started, you cannot change your captain or vice-captain.
Q3: What if both my captain and vice-captain don’t play?
You will receive zero doubled points for both positions in that gameweek.
Q4: Should I always pick a vice-captain from a different team than my captain?
It’s generally a good idea to diversify to avoid losing out on points if one team’s game is postponed or has a bad performance.
Q5: What factors should I consider when choosing my vice-captain?
Consider form, fixture difficulty, likelihood of starting, and historical performance.
Q6: Is it better to choose a safe vice-captain or a high-risk, high-reward one?
It depends on your overall strategy; a safer pick provides consistent points, while a high-risk pick could yield more if it pays off.
Q7: How can FPL tools help in selecting a vice-captain?
Tools like Fantasy Football Fix Planner and Premier Injuries provide valuable data on fixtures, player form, and injury updates.
Q8: What should I do if a game is postponed and my captain is involved?
If your captain is involved in a postponed game, your vice-captain’s points will be doubled instead, provided they play.
Q9: Can my vice-captain be a player on my bench?
No, your vice-captain must be in your starting eleven.
Q10: Where can I find reliable information about player injuries?
Websites like Premier Injuries offer timely updates on player availability.
