What is a FPL vice captain and how does it work?
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 5 min read
What is a FPL vice captain and how does it work?
A vice captain in FPL is a player who receives double points whenever the chosen captain scores a goal, provides an assist, keeps a clean sheet or earns bonus points. The chip simply multiplies the points earned by the captain for the match, offering a risk‑adjusted safety net for managers.
How the Vice Captain chip works
The chip is activated by selecting a player in the vice captain role before a gameweek. When the captain achieves any point‑earning event, the vice captain’s points for that match are doubled. If the captain scores two goals, the vice captain’s 8 points become 16. If the captain is held scoreless, the vice captain earns normal points. The chip can be used once per season and must be chosen before the 19th gameweek deadline on 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027.
Why managers use it
Many managers rely on the vice captain to hedge against a captain’s poor form or injury. The strategy is most effective when the vice captain is a player who is likely to score or assist in the same match as the captain, such as a striker with high goal output paired with a midfielder who frequently assists.
When to pick a vice captain
Choosing a vice captain should be driven by two factors: the captain’s likelihood of scoring and the vice captain’s own point potential.
- Captain’s scoring probability - The higher the chance the captain will score, the more valuable the double points.
- Vice captain’s own points - A player with a high points per game (PPG) and low injury risk maximises upside.
Using the data from the current season, a good pairing would be a top‑scoring forward as captain and a high‑point midfielder as vice captain. For instance, pairing Erling Haaland - 239 points, 6.8 PPG, 155 mio - as captain with Bruno Fernandes - 235 points, 6.7 PPG, 120 mio - as vice captain would give a manager a solid safety net.
Statistical insights from the current season
Below is a quick comparison of three players who are often considered for the vice captain role:
| Player | Position | Cost | Total Points | PPG | Selected % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | FWD | 155 | 239 | 6.8 | 74.8 |
| Bruno Fernandes | MID | 120 | 235 | 6.7 | 48.7 |
| Gabriel | DEF | 80 | 209 | 6.5 | 26.2 |
Haaland’s high cost is offset by his high goal tally (27 goals) and clean sheets (13). Fernandes offers a balanced mix of goals, assists and clean sheets for a midfielder. Gabriel, while a defender, has a respectable 18 clean sheets and 5 assists, but his PPG is lower.
The data shows that midfielders tend to have higher PPG than defenders, yet defenders still offer a solid safety net if the captain is a striker. A manager’s choice depends on the match‑specific risk profile.
Common pitfalls
- Over‑valuing defenders - While defenders can double points, their lower average points mean they rarely deliver a significant bump when the captain scores.
- Ignoring injury risk - A player who is frequently injured will waste the chip. The current season shows that many midfielders have a high injury risk.
- Using the chip on the same player - A manager must pick a different player than the captain, otherwise the chip is wasted.
Key takeaways
- A vice captain doubles the captain’s points when the captain scores, assists, keeps a clean sheet or earns bonus points.
- The chip must be used before the 19th gameweek deadline on 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027.
- Midfielders typically offer higher points per game than defenders, but pairing a striker captain with a midfielder vice captain maximises safety.
- A defender can still be a viable vice captain if the captain is a forward and the defender has a high goal‑contribution record.
FAQ
Q: Can a player be both captain and vice captain in the same gameweek? A: No. The vice captain must be a different player from the captain; otherwise the chip is wasted.
Q: What happens if the captain is injured and doesn’t play? A: The vice captain earns normal points for the match; the double‑point rule only triggers if the captain actually scores or earns points.
Q: Is there a limit to how many vice captains a manager can use in a season? A: The chip can be used only once per season and must be activated before the 19th gameweek deadline.
Q: Does the vice captain chip apply to Premier League matches only? A: Yes, the chip only applies to Premier League fixtures; cup matches do not trigger the double‑point rule.
Further reading
For more on how chips work in FPL, see the official FPL guide. Also, check the latest updates on player form and injury status on the FPL website to ensure your vice captain is match‑ready.
Key takeaways
- The vice captain doubles the captain’s points when the captain scores.
- Must be activated before the 19th gameweek deadline.
- Midfielders usually outperform defenders in PPG.
- Pair a striker captain with a midfielder vice captain for balance.
- Avoid using the chip on injured players.
FAQ
- Q: Can the same player be captain and vice captain? A: No; they must be different.
- Q: What if the captain scores no points? A: The vice captain receives normal points.
- Q: How many times can the chip be used? A: Once per season.
- Q: Does it work in cup matches? A: No, only Premier League matches.