Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Branthwaite or Richards?

Accepted Answer

Barely anything in it. Branthwaite averages 10.80 defensive contribution actions per 90 and Richards averages 10.67 - a gap of 0.13 that is inside the natural noise of any per-90 metric. On the workload alone this is a coin toss and the decision should rest on fixture, price and attacking output rather than DEFCON.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Branthwaite and Richards compare?

Accepted Answer

Branthwaite has logged 54 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 450 minutes (10.8 per 90). Richards has logged 48 across 405 minutes (10.7 per 90). Branthwaite earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 3 of 5 appearances this season; Richards earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 2 of 5 appearances this season. Higher raw counts reflect a higher defensive workload; higher per-90 rates reflect efficiency at sustaining that workload.

Question 3

Does the Gameweek 6 fixture change the DEFCON case?

Accepted Answer

Branthwaite is away at Hull City (FDR 2) and Richards is at home to Nott'm Forest (FDR 3) in Gameweek 6. DEFCON output is action-based rather than result-based, so a tough fixture does not shrink the base rate the way it might reduce a clean sheet probability. That said, both players are more likely to see defensive volume in tougher matches - the DEFCON case can actually be marginally stronger against stronger opposition.

Question 4

Which defender should I pick for Gameweek 6 on DEFCON grounds?

Accepted Answer

The DEFCON workloads are too close to call. Both Branthwaite and Richards deliver similar defensive contribution rates, so the pick should come down to price, fixtures and attacking output rather than DEFCON. On the defensive contributions alone this is a genuine coin toss.

Jarrad Branthwaite vs Chris Richards DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 6

Jarrad Branthwaite vs Chris Richards: DEFCON Analysis

Branthwaite vs Richards Gameweek 6

Branthwaite has the DEFCON edge but costs £0.5m more than Richards. Where should the money go?