Question 1

Who has the stronger DEFCON rate: Thomas or O'Shea?

Accepted Answer

Thomas is the stronger DEFCON profile at 11.72 actions per 90 against 9.67 for O'Shea - a gap of 2.05 per 90. Over a 38-match season that difference works out to roughly 78 extra defensive contribution actions before any attacking upside is factored in.

Question 2

How do the raw defensive workloads of Thomas and O'Shea compare?

Accepted Answer

Thomas has logged 88 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles across 676 minutes (11.7 per 90). O'Shea has logged 87 across 810 minutes (9.7 per 90). Thomas earned the +2pt DEFCON bonus in 5 of 8 appearances this season; O'Shea 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

Thomas is away at Everton (FDR 3) and O'Shea is at home to Bournemouth (FDR 3) 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

At near-identical prices, Thomas is the cleaner DEFCON pick. The 2.05 per 90 edge is meaningful over the run of the season, and with no price advantage for O'Shea the choice tips to Thomas for managers building around defensive contributions.

Bobby Thomas vs Dara O'Shea DEFCON: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 10

Bobby Thomas vs Dara O'Shea: DEFCON Analysis

Thomas vs O'Shea Gameweek 10

Thomas has the DEFCON edge at a similar price. Would he fit your specific squad?