Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari enters his team's crucial six-pointer against Manchester United with the wisdom of a 60-year-old football veteran. The Brazilian is currently under a lot of pressure, after his team gave up the Premiership's summit following a run of one win in five league games. Chelsea's negative run has been emphasised by the British media, who are fully aware that failing to win the league will not be tolerated by temperamental president Roman Abramovich. However, Scolari isn't letting the media hype get into him, as he talks of the importance of registering a positive result at Old Trafford. “I don't need to answer any criticism. Follow my past. I have not only won the World Cup. I won two Copa Libertadores, three Brazilian cups and many things in Brazil,” said Scolari. “Of course we need to win against United. In these games if you give a chance to your opponents to advance three points, it's difficult to recover. If we want to finish first, we have to play for a win. The former Portugal coach, who will have a near full squad ready for the clash apart from long term absentees Michael Essien and Florent Malouda, will only be left with the dilemma of either fielding Didier Drogba or Nicolas Anelka as sole striker. John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho will start together at the heart of the Chelsea defense for the first time since October.
Praising Scolari In the meantime, United manager Alex Ferguson was full of praise for his counterpart, as the Scot spoke of the importance of Sunday's meeting with the Blues. "Scolari has fantastic experience, which should stand him in good stead coming in to any league in the world. He managed Brazil and Portugal no matter where you get your experience it is still vital," Ferguson noted. Ferguson added that Chelsea's recent loss of form doesn't mean the game will be any easier for his side. “I don't think there has been much change in the Chelsea team other than the swing in terms of home and away form. “They are still consistent, they are still very difficult to play against and they still have very good players.” The Red Devils are currently third in the Premiership with 38 points and two games in hand over Chelsea, who are second on 42 points.
