Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Schlager or Garner?

Accepted Answer

Barely anything in it. Schlager averages 12.16 defensive contribution actions per 90 and Garner averages 11.64 - a gap of 0.52 that is inside the natural noise of any per-90 metric. On the workload alone this is a coin toss and the decision should rest on fixture, price and attacking output rather than DEFCON.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Schlager and Garner compare?

Accepted Answer

Schlager has logged 46 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 666 minutes (6.2 per 90). Garner has logged 41 across 688 minutes (5.4 per 90). Schlager earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 4 of 9 appearances this season; Garner 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

Schlager is at home to Man City (FDR 4) and Garner 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 midfielder should I pick for Gameweek 10 on DEFCON grounds?

Accepted Answer

The DEFCON workloads are too close to call. Both Schlager and Garner deliver similar defensive contribution rates, so the pick should come down to price, fixtures and attacking output rather than DEFCON. On the defensive contributions alone this is a genuine coin toss.

Xaver Schlager vs James Garner DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 10

Xaver Schlager vs James Garner: DEFCON Analysis

Schlager vs Garner Gameweek 10

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