Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Richards or Tarkowski?

Accepted Answer

Richards is the stronger DEFCON profile at 11.67 actions per 90 against 10.44 for Tarkowski - a gap of 1.23 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 47 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Richards and Tarkowski compare?

Accepted Answer

Richards has logged 105 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 810 minutes (11.7 per 90). Tarkowski has logged 94 across 810 minutes (10.4 per 90). Richards earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 7 of 9 appearances this season; Tarkowski earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 5 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

Richards is at home to Liverpool (FDR 4) and Tarkowski is at home to Coventry City (FDR 2) 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 defender should I pick for Gameweek 10 on DEFCON grounds?

Accepted Answer

Richards has the DEFCON edge at 11.67 per 90 versus 10.44. That advantage costs £1.3m if Richards is dearer - work out whether the edge is worth the outlay in your specific squad. On DEFCON grounds alone Richards is the better profile, but £1.3m spent elsewhere may return more depending on where you are stretched.

Chris Richards vs James Tarkowski DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 10

Chris Richards vs James Tarkowski: DEFCON Analysis

Richards vs Tarkowski Gameweek 10

Richards has the better DEFCON rate and is £1.3m cheaper - is it a no-brainer for your squad?