Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Palacios or Xhaka?

Accepted Answer

Palacios is the stronger DEFCON profile at 17.54 actions per 90 against 11.50 for Xhaka - a gap of 6.04 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 230 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Palacios and Xhaka compare?

Accepted Answer

Palacios has logged 18 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 195 minutes (8.3 per 90). Xhaka has logged 15 across 360 minutes (3.8 per 90). Palacios earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 2 of 3 appearances this season; Xhaka 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

Palacios is at home to Fulham (FDR 2) and Xhaka is at home to Brighton (FDR 2) 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

Palacios has the DEFCON edge at 17.54 per 90 versus 11.50. That advantage costs £0.5m if Palacios is dearer - work out whether the edge is worth the outlay in your specific squad. On DEFCON grounds alone Palacios is the better profile, but £0.5m spent elsewhere may return more depending on where you are stretched.

Exequiel Palacios vs Granit Xhaka DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 6

Exequiel Palacios vs Granit Xhaka: DEFCON Analysis

Palacios vs Xhaka Gameweek 6

Palacios has the better DEFCON rate and is £0.5m cheaper - is it a no-brainer for your squad?