Rix's team selection leaves Pompey stranded at sea

badly missed

Pompey badly missed Prosinecki - whatever Rix will say to the contrary in order to protect his replacements, there is no doubt that Pompey miss the class and composure of the Croatian. However this does not excuse the bizarre team selection that was dished up to the Fratton Faithful at Vicarage Road.

Pompey lined up with a team that would of fit comfortably into a 4-4-2 formation with Pitt on the left wing, Harper on the right with Barrett and O'Neil in the centre of Midfield. The defence would of been Vincect, Zamperini, Hiley and Crowe - this would of been a team with balance, creativity and composure and it is unlikely that Pompey would of looked so lethargic if they all knew where each other were playing.

Instead Rix refused to change from his 3-5-2 formation and this meant that Pitt lined up in the centre of midfield with Jamie Vincent as an attacking wingback. The whole balance of the team was upset and Pompey failed to dominate the midfield with Pitt and Vincent looking completely out of position.

The centre shackles Pitt, leaving him no space to run at defenders and means that the rest of Pompey don't have an outlet. Harper had another good game but could not be asked to take the responsibility of Pompey's attacks all by himself. Vincent looked like a defender trying to be a midfielder - the left-back doesn't possess an attacking bone in his body and was woefully ineffective in an attacking role.

In defence of Pompey's midfield - they are young and in desperate need of a rest. Pompey need replacements for Pitt and Barrett so that the youngsters can regain their form after quick graduation from youth team football to first division games. The likes of Brady, the enigma that is Courville and Rudonja could all come in from the cold and be given the chance to impress Rix.

There also needs to be competition upfront as Bradbury and Crouch are now automatic picks if fit. The rumour that Todorov could be on his way if Pompey manage to get rid of Mills is certainly one that wets the appetite in the run up to Christmas.

Pompey must get back to winning ways on Wednesday and will be boosted by the return of Quashie and Prosinecki to the midfield - Harry Redknapp needs to start wheeling and dealing to freshen up this Pompey squad where the first eleven looks excellent but the back ups are still the same players that have fought relegation for the past decade...