It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know we're still short of players despite making four signings. Of them, we have solved our goalkeeping depth problem, half-solved our centre back problem having signed Sol Campbell, replaced a decent right-back with another seemingly decent right back and Thompson has been signed as what I would say is a "resourceful squad player". We are still yet to replace some of the players that have been so influential in past Premiership seasons.
For example, Andres D'Alessandro is yet to be "replaced" as such although Matthew Taylor is tipped to play left midfield this coming season. I'd be happy with that as long as we got a decent left back in as I don't like the thought of playing Pamarot, Griffin or Stefanovic there instead. I have to laugh at the D'Alessandro rumours that were in the gutter rags/web today claiming that Redknapp was still trying to agree a deal with Wolfsburg for him despite him signing a loan deal with Real Zaragoza! That is utterly pathetic journalism!
Other players that I still feel we are yet to replace are Yakubu and Steve Stone. Obviously I'm not alone in the Yakubu matter as we are crying out for a 15 goal a season striker as I don't feel that Lua Lua and Benjani will get any more than 10 each this coming season. I still don't think we have a replacement for Steve Stone either, as I thought he was a very influential right winger and we looked more dangerous every time he played. O'Neil will probably play in his position this season which is fine by me if it keeps him in the team. On the other hand I'm with many Pompey fans in the thinking that O'Neil should play in the centre as he is far more effective there and the player himself has stated that he prefers to play in the middle of the park.
I can't see why O'Neil would be pushed to centre midfield but if he was then maybe David Thompson could play the "Stone" role. We had a chance to give Wayne Routledge a similar role but for one reason or another Harry didn't really give him much of a chance. Who knows? Maybe Harry will sign a right midfield player before the month is up and give the majority of Pompey fans what they want to see but with Mendes, Davis and Hughes who can already play there and with Fernandes also possibly coming in I doubt we will see O'Neil there despite what I think is our need for a right winger.
I feel that Sol Campbell should fill the void that Arjan De Zeeuw left when he moved to Wigan but I'm uncertain about who his central defensive partner might be. If Stefanovic can reproduce his 04/05 form then I'll be relatively pleased with the way our defence looks (assuming Taylor plays left back). However if he starts making mistakes like last season then we have no quality to replace him. Primus is good cover but lacks pace and despite the crowd's love for his commitment and personality off the pitch he is prone to errors too. Richard Duffy would make a good sub when you're assured of winning the game but I don't think he is good enough for a first team place as of yet leaving us with only Noe Pamarot as the other option... say no more!
This is our probable starting line-up against Blackburn currently:
GK: James
RB: G. Johnson
CB: Campbell
CB: Stefanovic
LB: Griffin
RM: O'Neil
CM: Mendes
CM: Davis
LM: Taylor
ST: Benjani
ST: Todorov
I ask you; do you see that team beating Blackburn? In fact, do you see that team not fighting a relegation battle this season? My answer to both would be "No".