Start with players who are nailed. Then check how often they reached the DEFCON threshold per start and whether a move or role change makes that record less useful.

Quick answer

What to do

  • Shortlist regular starters who reached the DEFCON threshold often, not players with one huge total.
  • Wait to see Elliot Anderson (MID – Man City)’s role at Man City before relying on his Forest numbers.
  • Use DEFCON to break a close call between two defenders; keep starts, fixtures and clean sheets first.

Use the simple DEFCON check

Defenders get two points for 10 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles. Midfielders and forwards need 12 when ball recoveries are included. There are no extra points for going well above the target.

Check how often a player reached the target per start. Centre-backs in teams that defend more often may get more chances to score these points.

Tarkowski6 ptsLacroix0 pts

Anderson: wait for his City role

Elliot Anderson (MID – Man City) reached the midfielder target in 26 of 37 Forest starts last season and earned 52 defensive contribution points.

Do not assume that record moves with him to Man City. City will have more of the ball, so he may make fewer recoveries and tackles. Wait to see his position and whether he keeps any corners or free-kicks.

Anderson2 pts

Full-backs still need secure starts

The new bonus rules no longer punish a player for being tackled. That may help attacking full-backs such as Michael Kayode (DEF – Brentford) and Lewis Hall (DEF – Newcastle).

Do not buy them for this rule alone. Check that they start, get forward and play for a team with a reasonable clean-sheet chance.

Kayode13 ptsHall3 pts

The rule to use

Choose players who reach the target regularly, not players with one huge match. Divide DEFCON returns by starts, then check whether the role or club has changed.

Use this season’s matches as soon as possible. A transfer can make last season’s numbers much less useful.

Sources

Sources we checked

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