In Fantasy Premier League (FPL), a vice captain serves as a backup to score double points in case the chosen captain doesn’t play in that gameweek.

Understanding the role and strategic importance of a vice captain is key for success in Fantasy Premier League (FPL). Often overlooked, the vice captain can significantly impact your overall score. This article dives deep into answering the pivotal question: What does a vice captain do in FPL?

The Vice Captain’s Role in FPL

In FPL, every manager selects a captain and a vice captain for their team each gameweek. The captain’s points for the gameweek are doubled, making this decision crucial. However, the role of the vice captain is equally important. So, what does a vice captain do in FPL? Essentially, the vice captain is your safety net. If your chosen captain does not play any minutes in the gameweek, the vice captain steps in, and his points are doubled instead.

Even on your triple captain game week, your vice captain will get triple points. Therefore, it’s more important than ever on this week to take care when choosing which player should do this role.

This rule underscores the importance of choosing a vice captain wisely. It’s not just about having a backup; it’s about having a strategic alternative that can maximize your points if the unforeseen happens.

Strategies for Selecting a Vice Captain

It’s crucial to consider the strategy behind your vice captain choice. A common approach is to pick a vice captain from a different team than your captain. This diversification reduces the risk of both your captain and vice captain missing out due to a cancelled match or a team-wide issue.

Another strategy is to select a vice captain who has a different fixture difficulty compared to your captain. This approach provides a balance and increases the chances of scoring high points, irrespective of one tough fixture.

The Vice Captain in Different Scenarios

The role becomes particularly critical during uncertain times. Injuries, suspensions, and rotation risks during busy schedules like the Christmas period or during European competition weeks can affect player availability. Here, your vice captain choice can be the difference between a good and a great gameweek.

So, what does a vice captain do in FPL during such times? They provide a sense of security and an opportunity to still capitalize on double points even when your captain is unexpectedly benched or left out of the squad.

Concluding Thoughts

To sum up, the vice captain in FPL is not a role to be taken lightly. It requires as much thought as selecting your captain, if not more. The question, “What does a vice captain do in FPL?”, is not just about understanding the rules but also about recognizing the strategic depth this role adds to the game. With careful consideration, your vice captain can turn a potentially average gameweek into a high-scoring one.

Remember, in FPL, every decision counts, and the vice captain is one of those pivotal choices that can significantly influence your overall ranking and success in the league, especially when your rivals are likely to forget about it.