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25 November 2010 987 comments
Andy Andy
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“The times they are a-changin’.”

Bob Dylan, October 1963

This song was written almost half a century ago but Dylan clearly had what’s to come right on the precipice of his mind. That’s right, Johan Elmander is leading the captain’s poll. If ever there was a sign that times were and are changing in this Fantasy season, this would certainly be it. We’re not in Kansas anymore…

“Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen, and keep your eyes wide the chance won’t come again.”

It’s taken him a fair bit longer than expected to settle into life in the Premier league, but alongside Chung-Yong Lee, Elmander is somewhat perversely proving Gary Megson makes a great scout if an ill-bodied manager. This season, under the stewardship of Owen Coyle, he has begun to flourish, much to the surprise of the many who had previously written the Swede off as a Premier League flop. With 8 goals, 5 assists and 13 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Bonus Points Elmander is the current value pick for the season and your lead candidate for the armband.

Evidently, following the lack of assurances the “obvious” picks have been able to provide in recent weeks – the next step in line is to play a bit more fast and loose and bank on a form player against a defence which is known for conceding the odd goal or two.

“The line it is drawn, the curse it is cast, the slow one now, will later be fast”

It’s not like this is some kind of runaway victory for Elmander though, evidence so far points to an incredibly close race with Nani a mere handful of votes in the wake of the Bolton striker, and with good cause considering his home form and the visit of Blackburn for him and his United cohorts this week. The news of Newcastle’s second string centre-back pairing sees Didier Drogba well in the reckoning for another crack at the whip as well.

Rafael Van Der Vaart, Carlos Tevez and even Wayne Rooney following his penalty at Rangers, are also well and truly in the reckoning.

If you’ve not let us know of your decision, or you’ve not yet made one, why not stew on it briefly and then head back to the frontpage and rock the vote. Make sure it counts.

“And the first one now will later be last, for the times they are a-changin’.”

Andy Leicester won the Premier League. Leicester. Premier League. What is this life? Follow them on Twitter

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  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    Australia starting to get back on top. Last hour or so with the new ball is crucial now. A chance at the tail with the gloomy condition would be preferred. Collingwood on equals new ball coming.

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      Yeah. If we can get some quick wickets with the new ball then you'd have to say the day went to England.

      Right now though I don't think even a new ball will help.

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  2. Boom!!!
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    aussies looks set for atleast a 100 run lead if both hussey n haddin can bat till 260...then johnson can take it on from here with a quick fire 40-50....

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      I really can't see Johnson scoring that highly. Not with a new ball to face.

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      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 22 days ago

        Although then it may only be newish

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        1. Boom!!!
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 22 days ago

          it will depend on the light i think whether england takes the new ball tonight or tommorow because if the light is offered aussies are likely to take it n they will be happy with what they have right now...
          is xavier doherty an all rounder or just a spinner?

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          1. Boom!!!
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 22 days ago

            n guess what aussies have taken the light....

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          2. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 22 days ago

            He is a spinner 1st & a batsman a far 2nd. Day over now.

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  3. Anti-Ipswich
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    I see a lot of people (me included) are worried about cancelled games this week. I'm a referee so I know a little bit about cancelled games. The majority of the time in a higher class game, the pitch is inspected by the referee on the day before the game (so today). If the pitch does not meet the ref's standard, the game may be cancelled then.

    If there is a doubt about the pitch, the pitch may be inspected again on the morning of the game. If it still passes, the major test of the ground is about 90 mins before the game. That's the latest you'll hear if a game is cancelled or not. So with people concerned about the Newcastle game, you won't hear about it until probably tomorrow morning. But in some cases, the access to the pitch may be dangerous for fans (ie Wigan last year where I think you have to go through a paddock or something) and the game may be cancelled for this reason

    Hope that helps!

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      Cheers. Heres hoping the crew at St. James' can get that pitch up to par.

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    2. Ernie_Schitt
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      Referee perspective - fantastic!

      Bravo for doing a tough job, btw...

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  4. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    This isn't a go at the Aussies because England would do the same but the whole floodlight thing is a joke.

    Seriously, what is the point of them. As soon as it starts to get dark they come on but the players go off anyway.

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      that is why there is a suggestion of day n night test matches...

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  5. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    I feel like I should wait and see if they come back on but it's not going to happen is it.

    Might as well just take the opportunity to get a bit of an earlier night than last night 🙂 Don't want to miss the new ball though!

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      Apparently it's raining too.

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    2. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      day over andy ....covers are on....go n have a good sleep...good night...

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  6. Lew
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    so.. I've been away for a few days.

    Who has everyone replaced Fabregas with (if anyone) ?

    Or still holding fire?

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      cahill/nasri/arteta
      but i haven't decided yet i'm holding him till the last half an hour of deadline...

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    2. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      seems like 9 outta 10 fabs owners are bringing in cahill and im one of them. I hate conformity but I followed the herd I suppose.

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  7. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    Never a good feeling to look at the scouts predicted lineups and see VDV missing from the XI, I already have brunt as a doubt, and already used my move to replace fabregas. Fingers crossed Newcastle wont postpone, how scared should i be with this lineup?

    Al Habsi (Robbo)

    Cole, Coleman, Dann

    Nani, Malouda, VDV, Cahill

    Drogba (C), Elmander, Carroll

    Sub order: Brunt, Konchesky, Simpson

    Should Konchesky be considered if VDV doesnt feature, maybe make him sub #1, if VDV doesnt go? Or keep brunt there?

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    1. Lew
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      Konchesky wont keep a CS against Spurs.

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  8. Cave Pigeon
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    Alright I'm in OZ and heading away down the coast for the weekend in a couple of hours.. Gonna do two freebies, was originally gonna get VDV in but he might not play and I wont be able to check info on match day and dont wanna risk it.. Here's what I've decided

    Fabregas to Nasri
    Odemwingie to Elmander

    What ya think? Cheers!

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    1. Dave Bauer
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      Solid transfers, you can breathe easy!

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  9. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    New post.

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    1. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 22 days ago

      Thanks.

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  10. Dave Bauer
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    When's this Asian cup thing then? How many GWs before I need to worry about losing Cahill?

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  11. zuzuViking
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 22 days ago

    Dear Manager colleagues, please help a fellow point hauler!!!

    Foster
    Vidic, Cole.A, Coleman
    Nani, VDV, N'Zog, Fab.
    Caroll, Tevez, Gyan
    Subs: Gomes(yeah,i know), Adam, Foley, Williamson

    Fab out or save transfer?
    Thinkin Fab->Nasri (not Cahill for differential).Ok or other tips?
    Who to captain? Thinking Tevez, or VDV (tevez will be sub captain). Not nani for differential. Too risky?

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  12. Crakers
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 21 days ago

    RMT guys.. doesnt look the best but i got a good feeling this week!

    Foster (Hahneman)
    Elmo shawx A.Cole ( Jones, Jose Enrique)
    Nani(C) VDV Arteta Nzog (Ferguson)
    Torres Carrol Chamakh

    Any advice on what i should do, aleady used my trade Fabs for Arteta, i think he's due for a big one 2nite!

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    1. Crakers
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 21 days ago

      i got 5.6 in the bank im thinking of taking a 4 point hit and getting elmander for Carrol??

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