Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Pinnock or Branthwaite?

Accepted Answer

Pinnock is the stronger DEFCON profile at 14.04 actions per 90 against 10.80 for Branthwaite - a gap of 3.24 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 123 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Pinnock and Branthwaite compare?

Accepted Answer

Pinnock has logged 44 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 282 minutes (14.0 per 90). Branthwaite has logged 54 across 450 minutes (10.8 per 90). Pinnock earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 3 of 4 appearances this season; Branthwaite earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 3 of 5 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

Pinnock is at home to Newcastle (FDR 2) and Branthwaite is away at Hull City (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 defender should I pick for Gameweek 6 on DEFCON grounds?

Accepted Answer

Pinnock has the DEFCON edge at 14.04 per 90 versus 10.80. That advantage costs £1.0m if Pinnock is dearer - work out whether the edge is worth the outlay in your specific squad. On DEFCON grounds alone Pinnock is the better profile, but £1.0m spent elsewhere may return more depending on where you are stretched.

Ethan Pinnock vs Jarrad Branthwaite DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 6

Ethan Pinnock vs Jarrad Branthwaite: DEFCON Analysis

Pinnock vs Branthwaite Gameweek 6

Pinnock has the better DEFCON rate and is £1.0m cheaper - is it a no-brainer for your squad?