Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Garner or Schlager?

Accepted Answer

Barely anything in it. Garner averages 13.61 defensive contribution actions per 90 and Schlager averages 13.22 - a gap of 0.39 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 Schlager compare?

Accepted Answer

Garner has logged 16 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 238 minutes (6.1 per 90). Schlager has logged 24 across 286 minutes (7.6 per 90). Garner earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 1 of 4 appearances this season; Schlager earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 2 of 4 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

Garner is away at Hull City (FDR 2) and Schlager is away at Crystal Palace (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 midfielder should I pick for Gameweek 6 on DEFCON grounds?

Accepted Answer

The DEFCON workloads are too close to call. Both Garner and Schlager 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 Xaver Schlager DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 6

James Garner vs Xaver Schlager: DEFCON Analysis

Garner vs Schlager Gameweek 6

Garner has the DEFCON edge but costs £1.0m more than Schlager. Where should the money go?