Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Charles or Tonali?

Accepted Answer

Charles is the stronger DEFCON profile at 11.62 actions per 90 against 10.06 for Tonali - a gap of 1.56 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 59 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Charles and Tonali compare?

Accepted Answer

Charles has logged 42 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 643 minutes (5.9 per 90). Tonali has logged 44 across 787 minutes (5.0 per 90). Charles earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 2 of 9 appearances this season; Tonali earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 3 of 9 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 10 fixture change the DEFCON case?

Accepted Answer

Charles is at home to Newcastle (FDR 3) and Tonali is away at Leeds (FDR 3) in Gameweek 10. 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 midfielder should I pick for Gameweek 10 on DEFCON grounds?

Accepted Answer

Charles has the DEFCON edge at 11.62 per 90 versus 10.06. That advantage costs £0.3m if Charles is dearer - work out whether the edge is worth the outlay in your specific squad. On DEFCON grounds alone Charles is the better profile, but £0.3m spent elsewhere may return more depending on where you are stretched.

Shea Charles vs Sandro Tonali DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 10

Shea Charles vs Sandro Tonali: DEFCON Analysis

Charles vs Tonali Gameweek 10

Charles has the better DEFCON rate and is £0.3m cheaper - is it a no-brainer for your squad?