FFL Week 25

It may be a little premature to be writing off James's nearest challenger, but along with Arteta's knee seemingly went Nick's chances of catching our runaway leader. With him out of the picture, it's hard to see where the points will come from: Queresma was Scolari's man and didn't feature in Hiddink's first game; Laursen and Aurelio are injured; Babel is a bench-warmer; Zaki is hopelessly out of form. Fabregas may be back soon, but I would be suprised if we saw anything like the Fabregas of last season between now and May.

And what of our other challengers? Theo may yet pose a threat. Only 19 points behind, Anelka still in form, Milner back in the side (see below), and Ronaldo Ronadoing again. Still, too many players not on the pitch often enough, if at all - Hyypia, Osman, Malouda, Brown.

It may take a challenge from deeper. Stathi may be 31 points behind, but he's got something he hasn't had for a few weeks: two fit strikers. Carlton Cole joins the side to partner the fit-again Wayne Rooney. And Joe Hart aside, the defence looks solid. Don't write him off.

As for the rest of us, minor - and, in some cases, major - miracles are required. A few more weeks like this one might see Mike make a challenge. He top scored this week with 17. Three of us bottom scored with 9: Sid, Nick PC, and - quel surprise! - me. But I'm done with moaning about it. For this week. The scores:

	FFL 2008/09 LEAGUE TABLE
Diff			Total Points
	1st	James	287
12	2nd	Nick PC	275
19	3rd	Theo	268
31	4th	Stathi	256
44	5th	Sid	243
45	6th	Mike	242
53	7th	Don	234
77	8th	Nick Ath	210

As I've already mentioned, Stathi bought Carlton Cole for Jermaine Defoe, and Theo couldn't resist buying James Milner for the 23rd time since he left Leeds, for Jimmy Bullard.

Don't forget there are FA Cup games too this week. The scores above include last night's Spurs match.

Your over-it Chairman