It goes without saying that a selection headache when you have all your options available is so much better than a head-scratcher when injuries and suspension have taken hold.
Those days are rare, as current Pompey head coach John Mousinho will testify. But what would he do if everyone reported fit and available for selection?
With a squad that currently tops League One bursting with options, there’d be plenty not even considered for the bench.
So what would that starting XI and bench look like? Obviously, a lot depends on the opposition and individual tactics needed for said opponents.
But here’s our guess that how the Blues would look if Mousinho’s squad was afforded a clean bill of health.
13. Sub 1: Ryan Schofield
I must admit, I've not been entirely convinced by the former Huddersfield man in his four outings to date. He's in this squad but only because of Pompey's need to get Toby Steward and Josh Oluwayemi some much-needed first-team action away from Fratton Park. Photo: Jason Brown
14. Sub 2 Sean Raggett
Raggett will be disappointed with his lack of game time this season - but even he must admire the way Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy have seized their chances. Pompey have plenty of players who can play at centre-back if need - including Joe Rafferty, Conor Ogilvie and Marlon Pack. That would likely open the door for Zak Swanson to make it among the substitutes for this strongest Pompey XI and bench verdict. However, Raggett's importance can never be under-estimated. Pompey are simply better than many of their rivals with the former Norwich man involved on a match-day - even if it's on the bench. Photo: Jason Brown
15. Sub 3: Jack Sparkes
The under-the-radar free transfer from Exeter has really taken his chance at Pompey. It might not be enough to make this starting XI - but Connor Ogilvie, finally, has some competition he needs to be wary of. Simply put, Sparkes has been superb so far for Pompey. A real find and a shrewd piece of business from Messrs Hughes and Mousinho. Photo: Jason Brown
16. Sub 4: Terry Devlin.
The young Ulsterman is slowly but surely finding his feet at Fratton Park. He's completed just one 90 minutes for the Blues and is yet to start in the league. However, he doesn't disappoint whenever he's called upon and will only get better the more game time he gets. Ben Stevenson will be disappointed to miss out, given his impressive performances in Marlon Pack's absence, but that's just the culture Pompey have created with their summer transfer window business. Photo: Jason Brown