As the 2021/22 season draws ever closer and Fantasy Premier League managers step up their preparations, The Scout explains the secrets to success.
Choosing a captain
Your captain scores double points and is a key part of every FPL squad.
Reigning FPL champion Michael Coone enjoyed an outstanding start to 2020/21, earning double-figure hauls from his captain in 12 of the opening 14 Gameweeks.
The Irish manager amassed 668 points, which was 24.9 per cent of his total, from the armband alone on his way to the title.
An initial squad should always be assembled with a regular captain pick in mind, someone who can deliver points consistently while also scoring bumper hauls.
Kane and Salah
That is why Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah (both £12.5m) are the most expensive players for 2021/22.
They were the second and third top-scoring players in Fantasy last season and the statistics show why.
Kane’s 137 shots and 23 goals were both more than any other player, while Salah’s 98 shots in the box and 52 shots on target both ranked first.
Coone handed the armband to Kane and Salah 11 times each on his way to the FPL title, more than any other player.
Alternating the armband
Similarly, there is good reason why Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) and Son Heung-min (£10.0m) are so highly priced.
Fernandes was the top-scoring player in 2020/21 Fantasy on 244 points.
The Manchester United playmaker's 95 key passes and 20 big chances created both placed first last term.
And his 121 shots were bettered only by Kane and Salah.
Son, meanwhile, was among only seven players to record double-digits for both goals and assists last season.
That helped him produce 11 double-figure points hauls, second only to the 12 of Fernandes.
Consider Bamford?
Players who fare well against opponents lower down the table should also be considered for the captaincy.
Patrick Bamford (£8.0m) was among only nine players Coone captained in his title-winning campaign.
The Leeds United striker was involved in 19 goals against the bottom 10 sides last term, joint-second with Fernandes and bettered only by the 22 of Kane.
Bamford scored 13 goals and assisted a further six in those encounters, but managed only four goals and five assists against top 10 opponents.
Selecting the right captain, and the fixture to hand them the armband in, can make or break Fantasy seasons.
Also in this series
Part 1: Building a successful squad
Part 2: Finding the right formation
Part 4: How to create a 'mini-Wildcard'
Part 5: Be tactical with your chips
Part 6: Bonus-point kings offer edge
