Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Mainoo or Tanaka?

Accepted Answer

Mainoo is the stronger DEFCON profile at 14.37 actions per 90 against 9.86 for Tanaka - a gap of 4.51 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 171 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Mainoo and Tanaka compare?

Accepted Answer

Mainoo has logged 25 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 476 minutes (4.7 per 90). Tanaka has logged 36 across 557 minutes (5.8 per 90). Mainoo earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 5 of 7 appearances this season; Tanaka earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 0 of 8 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

Mainoo is at home to Aston Villa (FDR 3) and Tanaka is at home to Spurs (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

Mainoo has the DEFCON edge at 14.37 per 90 versus 9.86. That advantage costs £0.6m if Mainoo is dearer - work out whether the edge is worth the outlay in your specific squad. On DEFCON grounds alone Mainoo is the better profile, but £0.6m spent elsewhere may return more depending on where you are stretched.

Kobbie Mainoo vs Tanaka DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 10

Kobbie Mainoo vs Tanaka: DEFCON Analysis

Mainoo vs Tanaka Gameweek 10

Mainoo has the DEFCON edge but costs £0.6m more than Tanaka. Where should the money go?