Originally Posted by
Macca
I would expect they wouldn't have a linear relationship. My read into it is that despite having less of the ball, we would have a MUCH higher percent of the game spent in "dangerous possession" where the opponent does not feel comfortable than previous years. Examples of this would be wingers/fullbacks in behind hitting the byline, counterattacks, breaks, possession in and around opponent's box etc. These are the times when opposition defenders are gonna make desperate tackles leading to fouls, and professional fouls etc to break up play.
An opponent who isn't scared of you when you have the ball will rarely be forced into conceding yellow cards because they can comfortable wait to retrieve possession legally or wait for an error.