FPL 2026/27 Triple Captain: Best options and when to use it

When should FPL managers use the Triple Captain chip in 2026/27? We explain how it works, the best strategy and the early players to consider.

The Triple Captain chip is one of the most powerful tools available to Fantasy Premier League managers, but using it at the right time can be difficult.

A successful Triple Captain can provide a huge boost to a Gameweek score, while poor timing can leave managers frustrated after their chosen player fails to deliver.

A key question for managers ahead of the FPL 2026/27 launch is whether to use the chip early in the season when a premium player has a favourable fixture or hold it back for a Double Gameweek, when a player has two opportunities to score points.

For most managers, a patient approach is preferred where waiting until the latter part of the season can bring bigger hauls. However, there are some decent early shouts for early Triple Captain options for those who want to stamp their authority on their mini-leagues early on.

What is the Triple Captain chip in FPL?

The Triple Captain chip allows your selected captain to score three times their normal points rather than the usual double.

For example, if your captain scores 10 points in a Gameweek, they would normally receive 20 points. If you activate the Triple Captain chip, that same performance would produce 30 points instead.

The chip applies only to your captain and does not affect the rest of your squad.

It can therefore produce a huge score when used on a premium player who delivers a major haul, particularly if they score multiple goals, provide assists or collect bonus points.

How do you activate the Triple Captain chip?

Activating the Triple Captain chip is straightforward, although new users must be careful to not make the mistake of accidentally triggering it.

Before the Gameweek deadline, managers need to select the player they want to captain and then activate the Triple Captain chip from the available chip options.

The chip must be played before the Gameweek deadline. And once the deadline has passed, it cannot be activated for that Gameweek.

FPL managers receive the Triple Captain chip once per season, meaning there is no opportunity to use it again if the first attempt fails. That makes timing particularly important.

When should you use the Triple Captain chip in FPL?

The most common strategy is to save the Triple Captain chip for a Double Gameweek.

A Double Gameweek gives a player two fixtures rather than one, meaning your captain has two opportunities to score points while benefiting from the triple multiplier.

This is generally considered the safest approach because even if a player has a disappointing performance in one match, they have another opportunity to produce points.

By contrast, using the chip in a single Gameweek requires everything to go right in one specific match. That leaves you far more vulnerable to risk in the form of an unexpected rest, knock or just a bad day at the office.

That’s why the best Triple Captain strategy is usually to wait for later in the season when there is a Double Gameweek involving a reliable top player with favourable fixtures.

It must be said that there is no guarantee of a perfect Double Gameweek. But FPL success is down to playing percentages over the course of a season rather than impulsive moves.

In any case, each manager has their own approach and should not feel compelled to hold the chip indefinitely. The right decision should depend on the fixtures, player form and expected minutes, as well as a little bit of luck.

Best early Triple Captain options for FPL 2026/27

Although saving the chip is generally the preferred strategy, some managers may be tempted to use it early if a premium player receives an outstanding fixture.

For the more aggressive tacticians, Erling Haaland is the obvious name to consider for an early Triple Captain choice.

The Manchester City forward is the most expensive player in FPL history at £15.5m for the 2026/27 season, but not without reason.

In the opening six matches of the last four Premier League seasons, he has scored more points than anyone else.

His first five fixtures are:

The home fixture against relegation candidates Coventry in Gameweek 3 could potentially appeal to front-footed FPL managers, particularly if Haaland kicks off the campaign in form.

The same could also apply to the home match against Sunderland in Gameweek 5 who, despite achieving an impressive seventh-place finish, may face a tougher task this time around having to juggle Premier League and Europa League commitments.

However, it should also be noted that Haaland has also played at the World Cup with Norway this summer, meaning managers will need to check on his fitness closely before considering an early Triple Captain.

Bruno Fernandes is another potential option. The Manchester United assist-king has been priced at £12.0m after an outstanding 2025/26 campaign and could have captaincy potential from the beginning of the new season.

His opening five fixtures include a home meeting with newly promoted Ipswich in Gameweek 2:

Fernandes’ output has improved dramatically after moving into a more advanced No.10 position since Michael Carrick took over last season, and another campaign in that role could make him a must-have midfielder in FPL again this campaign.

Should you save the Triple Captain chip?

For most FPL managers, the answer is usually yes. That’s because the Triple Captain chip is most valuable when used on a nailed-on premium player with two fixtures in a Double Gameweek, particularly if both matches offer significant attacking potential or/and against a far inferior opponent.

That does not mean an early-season Triple Captain is automatically a bad decision, it is just far more risky.

For the more gung-ho managers, Haaland or Fernandes could deliver a huge score in a single favourable home fixture.

However, the safer strategy is to remain patient, monitor the fixture schedule and wait for a Double Gameweek where the circumstances are genuinely attractive.