Defoe & Baros: What's up Harry?

I will admit at the outset that I feel it's never poor policy to upgrade forwards in the Premier League. When coming up against teams like Arsenal and Manchester United, who can put up three or four goals on any given match day, the need for teams to have proven, 10+ goal scorers in their squad is paramount.

That being said, what's up, Mr. Redknapp? With players like Benjani, John Utaka and Kanu, Portsmouth seemed pretty solid up front, scoring a respectable 35 goals through 25 games (before Saturday).

Gone now is Benjani, off to Manchester City (where he scored on his debut away to Man United). In are sulking former Tottenham man Jermaine Defoe and Milan Baros, who has previously played for Liverpool and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Both Defoe and Baros are decent players, but neither were deemed valuable enough for their former employers to keep around. To be certain, they will score for Pompey, but I don't think they will solve the problem of getting the team into Europe.

Redknapp's main problem at Fratton Park is the lack of a consistent attacking inspiration from midfield. Muntari has been the scorer of some fantastic goals this season, but he is more in the mold of his terrier-like teammate Papa Bouba-Diop. They can win balls and control the center of the park, but won't necessarily make the incisive pass to unlock a defense. Niko Kranjcar is influential in fits and starts, but not a consistent provider.

In order for Portsmouth to squeeze their way into the UEFA Cup picture, their manager needs to look for creator to run his attack. No small task, but money spent on more forwards (don't forget a pricey David Nugent on the bench) won't help the fortunes of the Premier League's south coast squires in their quest for continental glory.