MATCH PREVIEW: Chelsea start faster than Bolt

Last updated : 22 August 2008 By Paul Farrington

Scolari's Chelsea side arrive at the JJB on Sunday hoping to maintain their great start to the new season.

Another new manager at Stamford Bridge with the expectation of silverware come May. Last season Avram Grant reached the finals of the Carling Cup and UEFA Champions League along with finishing 2nd in the Premier League but this was not enough to save his job and Scolari took charge after Euro 2008.

The Blues will be wanting to improve on their empty handed season last time around and claim a clean sweep of trophies.

Amr Zaki: Home debut
A Tough ask but if anyone can do it, Chelsea stand a very good chance of achieving this. The summer signings of Deco and Jose Bosingwa have added more quality to an already world class side.

They both seem to have settled well with Deco on the score sheet on his Premier League debut. There will be no Didier Drogba for the game, Michael Ballack is a doubt along with Michael Essien and Andriy Shevchenko.

There is of course the quality to cause damage with their replacements and Latics will have to be at their best and have a bit of luck on their side if something is to be gained from the game.

Last time out for both sides, Wigan put on a hell of a second half performance against West Ham but came away with a defeat and Chelsea battered F.A. cup winners Portsmouth 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Amr Zaki scored a debut goal with a stunning volley and will have gained confidence in his ability to score in the Premier League. If Zaki can find the net, an upset could be on the cards.

There was also debuts for Olivier Kapo and Lee Cattermole last Saturday, who both did well on their first competitive appearances for the club and will both be looking to be in the starting XI again come Sunday.

After the international break, Steve Bruce will be hoping that the players who missed training this week due to their commitments with their national teams, will be fit for the game and not having suffered any knocks. If this is the case I can imagine Bruce setting up the same as he did at West Ham.

Key Players for Chelsea

Petr Cech - The Czech Republic goalkeeper is regarded as one of the best keepers in the world. Protected by a very strong defence, Cech can perform fantastic saves and rarely has a poor game

John Terry - The heart of the Chelsea defence and recently appointed England captain for the second time. Terry is strong in the tackle and physical in the air. A danger from set pieces and will look to disrupt Zaki and Heskey.

Frank Lampard - After recently signing his new Chelsea deal, Lampard will want to show everyone connected with Chelsea that his heart is at the club and will be near his very best come kick off. Has the ability to score from distance and has great vision when it comes to picking a pass.

Nicolas Anelka - Without Didier Drogba, the responsibility to find the back of the net lies with Nicolas Anelka who will see this season as a fresh start under Scolari and will want to prove his case as to why Avram Grant paid £15m for his services from Bolton. A poacher who can also score spectacular goals. A handful for any defence

Prediction

One of the toughest games of the season and this must mean optimism. Both sides will have a real good go and I see a draw on the cards if Latics are at their best. 1-1.