Fantasy Premier League Tips: What are the factors that determine selection of a Captain?

It is very important to take into account the consistency of a player when it comes to selecting a Captain for your FPL side.

The Premier League logo in a file photo. (Image credit: Twitter/Fantasy Premier League)
By Arnab Mukherji | Mar 18, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is one of the most popular fantasy football games out there, with football fans seen constantly updating their teams to rake in as many points as possible. A fan of Manchester United may well choose to select Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah in his team, which is certainly an odd thing considering the rivalry shared between the two teams. However on-field rivalry counts for nothing when it comes to selecting an in-form player capable of making the crucial difference in the gameweek tally. One of the most critical aspects of the FPL is the selection of a player as the captain of the team. The captain’s tally for the week stands doubled, and a shrewd decision can very well change the fortunes of a team.

Let’s take a look at some of the factors which determine the choice of a captain:

1) Consistency In Performances

It is very important to take into account the consistency of a player when it comes to selecting a captain for your FPL side. It does not make sense to pick a player who struggles to maintain his performances and fails to deliver the points when it matters the most. One is encouraged to review the performance of a potential pick over a significant period of game weeks to get an idea about the consistency of a player.

2) FPL Points In Previous Campaign

A footballer who has been among the top players in the points tally for the previous campaign, would have done so on the basis of impressive performances. This would certainly weigh in on the manager’s mind virtually assuring a place in the lineup. A good campaign further indicates the capability of a footballer, who can be entrusted to register a similar tally in the current season even in case of a slow start.

3) Appearance in FPL Dream Team

Selection in the dream team for an FPL gameweek is earned on the back of a sublime overall performance. Regular appearances for a player in the dream team are a positive sign, and should be certainly given due importance when the decision to select a captain is to be taken.

4) Selection Percentage

A player who has been selected by a large percentage of owners can be more often than not handed the captain’s armband. The selection of such a player would be considered a safe choice but would not provide an opportunity to take much of a leap over the competition.

Another alternative with regard to selection percentage would be the choice of a moderately popular player, possessing a comparatively limited share of ownership on the basis of ease of fixtures. A footballer with an easy opponent is more likely to deliver better points, with the low number of owners providing a distinct advantage to you.

5) Budget

FPL operates on a fixed budget with a certain amount allocated to build the lineup. The decision to select a player as captain needs to be evaluated with regard to the funds available.