Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Garner or Anderson?

Accepted Answer

Barely anything in it. Garner averages 11.52 defensive contribution actions per 90 and Anderson averages 11.69 - a gap of 0.17 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 Garner and Anderson compare?

Accepted Answer

Garner has logged 30 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 508 minutes (5.3 per 90). Anderson has logged 34 across 516 minutes (5.9 per 90). Garner has 65 total defensive contribution actions and Anderson has 67. Higher raw counts reflect a higher defensive workload; higher per-90 rates reflect efficiency at sustaining that workload.

Question 3

Does the Gameweek 8 fixture change the DEFCON case?

Accepted Answer

Garner's fixture is not yet confirmed and Anderson's fixture is not yet confirmed in Gameweek 8. 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 8 on DEFCON grounds?

Accepted Answer

The DEFCON workloads are too close to call. Both Garner and Anderson 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.

James Garner vs Elliot Anderson DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 8

James Garner vs Elliot Anderson: DEFCON Analysis

Garner vs Anderson Gameweek 8

Anderson has the DEFCON edge but costs £0.3m more than Garner. Where should the money go?