COBHAM, England (AP)

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari believes his team has to win at Manchester United tomorrow to stand a realistic chance of taking the Premier League title.

Facing the sort of confrontation he says he used to dream about, Scolari admitted yesterday that Chelsea's recent slump had made it essential that the Blues pick up three points at Old Trafford. Man U is unbeaten at home in the league this season.

Scolari's team, which has won only one of its last seven Premier League games, trails leaders Liverpool by three points and is ahead of defending champions United by four. But the Red Devils have two games in hand.

"We need to think in terms of winning the game," Scolari said Friday. "If we lose three points against direct opposition such as Manchester United we are in trouble."

not under pressure

Scolari, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and took Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, again brushed aside suggestions he was under pressure at a club where billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich demands both European and domestic trophies.

"It's not pressure. It's my job," he said. "I need to arrive in first position in every competition. If I do not arrive in first position I have the board here saying good job or not good job."

The Brazilian, at times testy when asked about his side's poor recent form, refused to elaborate about the changes he was making in the run-up to the Old Trafford match. His results since he took over last July have been better away than at home.

Scolari said there would be no problem with motivation as fans all over the world would be watching Sunday's match. The timing was also good, he said, following an embarrassing 1-1 FA Cup draw with lowly Southend last weekend.

"I like these games," he said. "I was thinking about this game when I signed for Chelsea. It's a different game, an exciting game. Half the world will be watching this game, in China, Brazil, Korea and Qatar. The players don't need words of motivation."

Scolari had good news on the injury front after months of key absences. He said only long-term casualty Michael Essien and France winger Florent Malouda were unfit for Sunday's squad.

Captain John Terry and Germany captain Michael Ballack return from suspension.