Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Silva or Branthwaite?

Accepted Answer

Barely anything in it. Silva averages 11.20 defensive contribution actions per 90 and Branthwaite averages 10.80 - a gap of 0.40 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 Silva and Branthwaite compare?

Accepted Answer

Silva has logged 56 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 450 minutes (11.2 per 90). Branthwaite has logged 54 across 450 minutes (10.8 per 90). Silva earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 4 of 5 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

Silva is away at Chelsea (FDR 4) 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

The DEFCON workloads are too close to call. Both Silva and Branthwaite 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.

Silva vs Jarrad Branthwaite DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 6

Silva vs Jarrad Branthwaite: DEFCON Analysis

Silva vs Branthwaite Gameweek 6

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