Vice‑captain Strategy – How to Pick and Use Them in FPL

What a Vice‑captain is and why it matters

In Fantasy Premier League, the vice‑captain scores double points if the chosen captain doesn’t play. The rule works the same as for a regular captain, but it gives you a safety net: if your captain is injured or suspended, the vice‑captain automatically takes the double‑point hit. This mechanic turns a single player into a pair of potential point‑givers, which can swing a gameweek by a handful of points.

How the rule actually works

• The captain is the player you pick to start the gameweek.
• If that player makes 45 minutes or more, they earn the normal points.
• If the captain makes less than 45 minutes or fails to start, the vice‑captain’s points are doubled.
• The vice‑captain may be a different position - a midfielder can be vice‑captain to a striker, or a defender vice‑captain to an attacking midfielder.

Because the vice‑captain automatically takes the double‑point hook, you should pick a player who:

• Has a high chance of playing.
• Is already a solid points source.
• Offers a good cost‑to‑points ratio.

Data‑driven picks: cost, points and selection

Below are three of the most compelling candidates based on their cost, total points, and ownership.

Player	Position	Cost	Total Points	Ownership
Erling Haaland	FWD	155	239	74.80
Bruno Fernandes	MID	120	235	48.70
Antoine Semenyo	MID	85	202	22.60

Haaland’s 239 points at a cost of 155 make him an attractive double‑point candidate, especially when paired with a captain who is likely to miss. Fernandes, with 235 points for 120, offers a lower‑risk option. Semenyo gives you a cheaper, still‑productive alternative.

The defensive contribution bonus - a hidden advantage

Defensive Contribution (DefCon) points now cap at 2 per match, regardless of how many actions a defender or midfielder records. The top DefCon scorers last season were

• Anderson - 52 points
• Senesi - 50 points
• Tarkowski - 44 points

These numbers show that centre‑backs and defensive midfielders can still rack up points, but the cap means you can’t bank massive bonus points on a single match. When choosing a vice‑captain, this rule suggests that a defender with a high clean‑sheet record and a bit of attacking output can still be a viable option if the team is set to keep a clean sheet.

Timing: when to deploy a vice‑captain

The decision to use a vice‑captain often hinges on fixture difficulty and squad depth.

1. Hard fixture for your captain - If the captain faces a top‑four club and the squad lacks depth, a vice‑captain with a favorable fixture can hedge.
2. Injury uncertainty - When a key player is doubtful, a vice‑captain guarantees a double‑point payout if they sit out.
3. Chip strategy - The first set of chips (Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain) must be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline. If you plan to use a Triple Captain in the second half of the season, you might want a vice‑captain in the first half to protect against a missed captain.

Chips and vice‑captains - a synergy

• Wildcard: Free transfers can help you align your squad so that both captain and vice‑captain are on the same team, reducing the risk of a double‑point loss.
• Free Hit: Use a high‑risk, high‑reward captain on a difficult fixture and pair them with a reliable vice‑captain.
• Triple Captain: In the second half of the season, you may want a vice‑captain who can double points if the Triple Captain is injured.

Risks of a vice‑captain

While a vice‑captain can be a safety net, it also introduces risk:

• If both your captain and vice‑captain are out of the squad, you lose a double‑point opportunity.
• A vice‑captain who is a lower‑ownership risk can hurt your overall points if they don’t play.
• The cost of a high‑value vice‑captain can limit your transfer budget for the rest of the squad.

Real‑world example

Last season, Elliot Anderson (mid) scored 180 points at a cost of 65, with a points‑per‑game of 4.7. His 12 defensive contributions (CBIRT) earned him a consistent point stream, making him a solid vice‑captain choice when paired with a striker who might miss.

How to pick the right vice‑captain in practice

1. Check the opposition - A defender against a low‑scoring team or a midfielder facing a weak defensive side can be a good pick.
2. Look at the cost‑to‑points ratio - Players with high points per game relative to cost are more valuable.
3. Consider ownership - A mid‑ownership player offers a safety net if the captain is out.
4. Factor in chips - Align your vice‑captain choice with your chip strategy.

Internal linking examples

When you first mention a player, link to their page:

• Erling Haaland - the most prolific striker in the league.
• Bruno Fernandes - a midfield engine for his club.
• When referencing a club, link to its page: Arsenal is a top‑tier side with strong defensive stats.

Key takeaways

• The vice‑captain doubles points if the captain doesn’t play, offering a safety net.
• Choose a vice‑captain with high ownership, good cost‑to‑points and a strong fixture.
• Defensive contribution caps mean defenders can’t bank massive bonus points, but still provide consistent returns.
• Align your vice‑captain choice with chip usage to maximise point potential.
• Beware of the risk of both captain and vice‑captain missing; balance squad depth accordingly.

FAQ

What is the difference between a captain and a vice‑captain? The captain’s points are doubled only if they play 45 minutes or more; the vice‑captain’s points are doubled if the captain fails to play.

Can I change my vice‑captain after a gameweek? Yes, you can change the vice‑captain at any time before the deadline, but you cannot change it during a gameweek.

Do chips affect vice‑captain rules? No, the vice‑captain rule is independent of chips, but you can pair a vice‑captain with chips like Triple Captain for added safety.

Which position is best for a vice‑captain? It depends on fixtures and squad depth; midfielders often offer a balance of goal and assist potential, but a defender with a high clean‑sheet rate can also be valuable.

How often should I use a vice‑captain? Use a vice‑captain whenever there is uncertainty about your captain’s availability or when you want to hedge against a difficult fixture.