Scolari faces Stoke test

January 17, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – Luiz Felipe Scolari remains under pressure at Chelsea and his side face another test of character on Saturday as they host Stoke City in the Premier League.

There was some much-needed soul searching going on at Stamford Bridge after last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United, but a 4-1 win over Southend in an FA Cup third round replay seems to have boosted morale.

Coach Scolari was clearly agitated after they were thrashed 3-0 at Old Trafford, that coming on the back of an unthinkable home draw against League One Southend in the first cup clash.

The future of Scolari has been brought into question in the media and on top of that the Chelsea manager has been forced to keep Roman Abramovich’s chequebook in the drawer, as the owner begins to tighten the purse strings.

It seems the days of 30-million-pound signings for Chelsea are over, and they can only look on in wonder at the spending power of super-rich Manchester City.

But while City are drawing up their shopping list, Chelsea already boast a squad with a winning pedigree.

That was ultimately highlighted on Wednesday, where players such as Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou and Nicolas Anelka, proved they can roll up their sleeves and grind out a win.

It was a good job they did so, because, with Stoke up next for Scolari’s side, they can expect another battle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis sets his team up in a classical English 4-4-2 formation, consisting largely of players standing at over six-foot.

They are sure to give Chelsea a rough ride, but captain John Terry is ready and eager to repeat their performance against Southend.

"I think a lot of the criticism has been fair," admitted the England defender. "We have been under-performing as a team, not fighting enough. The manager was right in his press conference and we needed to come out against Southend and play well. It was a perfect opportunity.

"Now we have a big game again at the weekend. We need to show the same spirit we did late on in the first and in the second half."

Stoke have added striker James Beattie to their ranks after signing him from Sheffield United for 3.5 million pounds.

The former England international is in line to make his debut and boasts an impressive record of six goals in 12 games against the Blues.

"I have always done pretty well against Chelsea to be honest," he said. "Touch wood, that will continue on Saturday if the manager decides to play me.

"I’ve scored a few goals down at their place, one after about 16 seconds I think.

"I can remember Joe Cole misplacing a back pass and I took one touch and volleyed it from about 30 yards. In the end, we lost the game, but it was a good goal for me and one I will always remember."

Written by: AFP

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