Source: Daily_Mail
Avram Grant faces increased scrutiny over selection after reserve claims
Avram Grant has been warned that his team selection will be under intense scrutiny from Premier League chiefs who are insulted by his threat to rest players ahead of their FA Cup semi-final.[LNB]Portsmouth manager Grant made the claim as he bemoaned the nine-point deduction imposed this week because his club have gone into administration.[LNB]But Pompey, who have slipped into arrears on payments for five players, will be hit with more penalties if their boss carries out his thinly veiled threat to make a mockery of the final weeks of the season.[LNB] Fringe: Jamie Ashdown (right) Ricardo Rocha (left) and Steve Finnan[LNB]Wolves were hit with a suspended £25,000 fine for fielding a reserve team at Manchester United earlier this season. As they delivered the punishment, the Premier League released a statement which made it clear that this would be their final act of leniency and vowed to hit clubs harder in the future with heavy fines and points deductions.[LNB]There are senior figures at the Premier League who have been offended by Grant's comments after working hard behind the scenes at Fratton Park to help the club through their crisis.[LNB]New Hull manager Iain Dowie, meanwhile, has admitted he would not have picked Fratton Park for his first game in charge.[LNB]The former Southampton striker faces a hostile welcome from the Pompey faithful. [LNB]He admitted: 'It will be me and my two sons and wife against the world and the good thing is they will focus their abuse on me and leave my team alone which suits me fine. I know I will get some stick.' [LNB] Avram: I'll ruin relegation dogfight by fielding weakened Portsmouth teams PORTSMOUTH v Hull: David James among those facing late fitness testsAvram Grant laments 'sad day for football' as Portsmouth rule out appeal against points deductionIf roles had been reversed I would have got a ban! Brown claims Gerrard 'got away' with elbowing himPortsmouth v HULL: George Boateng banned for Iain Dowie's first game in chargePORTSMOUTH FC
