Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: McAtee or Tonali?

Accepted Answer

McAtee is the stronger DEFCON profile at 11.34 actions per 90 against 10.06 for Tonali - a gap of 1.28 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 49 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

McAtee has logged 39 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 770 minutes (4.6 per 90). Tonali has logged 44 across 787 minutes (5.0 per 90). McAtee earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 4 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

McAtee is at home to Man City (FDR 4) 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

McAtee has the DEFCON edge at 11.34 per 90 versus 10.06. That advantage costs £0.2m if McAtee is dearer - work out whether the edge is worth the outlay in your specific squad. On DEFCON grounds alone McAtee is the better profile, but £0.2m spent elsewhere may return more depending on where you are stretched.

James McAtee vs Sandro Tonali DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 10

James McAtee vs Sandro Tonali: DEFCON Analysis

McAtee vs Tonali Gameweek 10

McAtee has the DEFCON edge but costs £0.2m more than Tonali. Where should the money go?