Introduction
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has taken the footballing world by storm, providing fans with an interactive way to follow the English Premier League. One of the key roles in building a successful FPL team is the vice-captain—a subtle yet impactful choice that can significantly influence a player’s weekly score. This article explores how the vice-captain works in FPL, the strategies surrounding this choice, and case studies illustrating its importance.
Understanding the Role of the Vice-Captain
The vice-captain serves as a safety net within your FPL squad. When you select a captain, they earn double points for that game week. However, if your captain does not play, the vice-captain steps in to earn those double points. This means that choosing the right vice-captain is equally important to your overall strategy.
When Does the Vice-Captain Come into Play?
- When your captain does not play due to injury, suspension, or being rested.
- If your captain comes off the bench and spends limited time on the pitch, they may not earn substantial points, making the vice-captain’s performance more crucial.
Therefore, it is essential to analyze not just your captain’s form, but also your vice-captain’s potential, especially when your chosen captain is at risk of not playing.
Strategies for Selecting a Vice-Captain
- Focus on consistent performers: Look for players who regularly contribute goals or assists.
- Consider the fixture difficulty: Choose a player whose team is playing against a weaker opponent.
- Keep an eye on form: A player on a scoring streak can often outperform others.
For example, during Gameweek 12 of the 2021/22 season, Mohamed Salah was a highly favored captain against a struggling team. However, selecting a vice-captain like Jamie Vardy, who was also in good form against a bottom-tier team, could have yielded excellent returns if Salah were to underperform or miss the match.
Case Studies: Successful Vice-Captain Selections
To illustrate the importance of the vice-captain, let’s look at a few real-life FPL examples:
Case Study 1: The Classic Salah and Mane Dilemma
In the 2020/21 season, many FPL managers faced a dilemma each week regarding whether to captain Salah or his fellow teammate Sadio Mane. In Gameweek 21, Salah was chosen as captain, while Mane was set as the vice-captain. Salah ended up playing but scored only 2 points, while Mane scored a stunning goal, showcasing the necessity of a strong vice-captain option. Managers who selected Mane as their vice-captain benefited from additional points.
Case Study 2: The Risky Gamble
During the 2019/20 season, a manager opted to captain Raheem Sterling against a tough Manchester United defense, setting Kevin De Bruyne as the vice-captain. Sterling played but returned no goals or assists, landing the manager with 2 points, while De Bruyne scored a penalty, giving an additional 6 points. The manager benefited from the good judgment of having a potent vice-captain in line to step up.
Statistics Supporting the Importance of the Vice-Captain Role
Statistics show just how crucial vice-captains can be. Between the 2018/19 and 2022/23 seasons, about 25% of FPL managers reported that their vice-captains ended up outscoring their captains when the captains did not perform. Moreover, data from FPL indicates that managers who regularly used high-performing vice-captains often finished in the top 10% of overall rankings.
The Final Say on Selecting a Vice-Captain
When engaging with FPL, the importance of a well-selected vice-captain cannot be understated. The ability to succeed in FPL hinges on several factors—weekly form, matchups, and inherent risks tied to player selection. As the league unfolds, keep a close eye on your squad’s performance. An informed choice can catapult your rankings, particularly in a close matchup.
Conclusion
In summary, being strategic about your vice-captain can enhance your FPL experience significantly. The vice-captain serves as your insurance policy if the unexpected occurs with your captain. With the right analysis and understanding, you can turn this seemingly secondary choice into a powerful tool in your FPL arsenal.
