Scolari expects open race

Luiz Felipe Scolari believes there are a number of teams who could emerge as title contenders.

Chelsea take on Portsmouth in their Premier League opener on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, as they look to improve on last season's second place.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all expected to challenge for top spot again but Scolari feels there are teams, such as Pompey and Tottenham, who can threaten the established 'big four'.

He said: "I saw many games in pre-season and if you say only one or two teams can win it, I think you are wrong. I saw a minimum of eight teams playing very well.

"It won't only be Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, not this season. There are three or four other clubs who have good teams, like Tottenham and Portsmouth, who are strong teams.

"Yesterday I saw Manchester City and just because they lost doesn't mean they are not a good team.

"All the games here are important and difficult games, unlike in other leagues where you have two or three teams only and you win 15 out of 20 games.

"Here you can never be sure you will win a game and that is exciting. Every week you have a new challenge.

"One week you will be playing a team like Portsmouth, who have a lot of tall players, the next a team where everyone is fast. England is different."
Robinho hope

Scolari is still hoping to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window but is not sure whether Robinho will sign.

Chelsea have been tracking the Brazilian forward for much of the summer and have lodged two bids with Real Madrid.

Reports have suggested that Robinho is contemplating going on strike to speed up the deal, and Scolari admits he would love to bring him in.

"He is a very good player, I like him very much but so do all the other coaches in the world," Scolari explained.

"Exactly what is happening with him I don't know at the moment.

"It is not my business, it is the business for the board to talk about money.

"He is a fantastic player who could play in any team in the world but I am pleased with my players at Chelsea. If one or two more players arrive it will be better for us.

"We play 60 or 70 games a year so the door is always open for the players here and maybe one or two more in the future.

"But if we lose against Portsmouth it won't be because Robinho is not here, it will be because we haven't played well."

Anelka praise

Scolari is also confident that Nicolas Anelka will enjoy a successful season after being played out of position on the left at times under Avram Grant.

He said: "Anelka has looked good in training and will play as centre-forward.

He played well in the friendly games but he is quiet.

"If you say 'good morning' to him he will say 'good morning' back but if you don't he won't say anything because he is quiet.

"We need to put fire in Anelka - tell him 'look Anelka, you are very good'.

Maybe this will be the season for Anelka.

"I need to work more on his head, on his thinking in the field, because he has good quality.