Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Thomas or Branthwaite?

Accepted Answer

Thomas is the stronger DEFCON profile at 11.72 actions per 90 against 10.00 for Branthwaite - a gap of 1.72 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 65 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Thomas has logged 88 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 676 minutes (11.7 per 90). Branthwaite has logged 79 across 711 minutes (10.0 per 90). Thomas earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 5 of 8 appearances this season; Branthwaite earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 4 of 8 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

Thomas is away at Everton (FDR 3) and Branthwaite 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

Thomas has the DEFCON edge at 11.72 per 90 versus 10.00. That advantage costs £1.5m if Thomas is dearer - work out whether the edge is worth the outlay in your specific squad. On DEFCON grounds alone Thomas is the better profile, but £1.5m spent elsewhere may return more depending on where you are stretched.

Bobby Thomas vs Jarrad Branthwaite DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 10

Bobby Thomas vs Jarrad Branthwaite: DEFCON Analysis

Thomas vs Branthwaite Gameweek 10

Thomas has the better DEFCON rate and is £1.5m cheaper - is it a no-brainer for your squad?