New Year but MORE selection problems

Well, by hook or crook, we have got through the Christmas period unscathed, extending an unbeaten run to 4 games in the process after draws at Fratton against Millwall and away at Elland Road against Leeds.

With resources already stretched, breaking point 'seems' to have been reached as we prepare to play our first game of 2011 at Watford.

We are quite literally down to the 'bare bones' and can say this safe in the knowledge that this REALLY is the case - it is a proven fact that we have the smallest squad in the English football league, injuries, suspensions and contractual issues decimate it even more.

Liam Lawrence returns, having missed the Leeds game under the 'terms of his loan agreement', as he will become our player permanently.

His return though would 'appear' to be the only extra body that we will have though...

Having 4 or 5 players on the bench in recent times will, or could, seem like a luxury given the state of what this is 'likely' to be on Saturday!

Jamie Ashdown and Joel Ward are 'struggling' according to The News, so could miss out, meaning that Darryl Flahavan starts in goal? Who would be sub keeper though...

Mikey Brown and Richard Hughes both miss out, and will continue to unless 'contractual issues' are resolved.

Dave Kitson misses out through suspension having picked up a 5th yellow last time out - luckily, I think he is the only that did this before the number of cards for suspension increases. Some 'think' Aaron Mokoena is also suspended having amassed too many yellows, although I am not convinced.

To be honest I am not even going to hazard a guess at what our starting 11 will be for the game at Watford although 'if' the worst case scenario presents itself as far as injuries and unavailability goes then if we name 3 subs, at a push, we will do well!

Whatever though I would 'hope', in fact 'expect' us to give Watford a game - but lets make no bones about it, this will be bloody tough, 'probably' tougher than Leeds, which was a challenge...

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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