Big Phil, new philosophy

Chelsea have another chance to show off their new expansive style on Wednesday when AS Roma visit Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

Chelsea have another chance to show off their new expansive style on Wednesday when AS Roma visit Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

In the short time that Luiz Felipe Scolari has been in charge, the Brazilian has gone a long way to doing what both his predecessors failed at 8212; which is to win over the neutrals. Gone is the siege mentality adopted by Jose Mourinho during his incredibly successful time in charge of the club while the dour and brief Avram Grant era is a fast fading memory.

Scolari has been charm personified since taking one of the toughest jobs in British football and his side, flying at the top of the Premier League, are playing with a smile rather than ruthless efficiency.

The 5-0 victory at Middlesbrough on Saturday, completed with a long list of absentees, was a master class in passing and movement that sent alarm bells ringing around the country.

Skipper John Terry spoke of the different philosophy that Scolari has brought to west London. 8220;In the first two years after Jose Mourinho took over we had a strong mentality where we8217;d go to places and shut up shop to get the three points,8221; Terry said in the Daily Telegraph.

8220;Now we8217;re eager to really push on and get that second goal and kill the game. It8217;s very enjoyable to play under him.8221;

The one blip so far this season for Chelsea was a difficult night in Romania in their last Group A clash when they could only draw 0-0 with newcomers CFR Cluj. However, with Roma having already lost to Cluj, Chelsea can take command of their destiny with victory against the Italians who are smarting from a 4-0 thumping by Inter Milan at the weekend and who have bad memories of recent trips to England.

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Chelsea could have Petr Cech back in goal after he missed the Middlesbrough match with a leg injury while midfielder Joe Cole may also return.

Liverpool confident

In another fixture on Wednesday, Liverpool take on Atletico Madrid who are struggling after three consecutive defeats in La Liga. The Reds, in contrast, arrive full of confidence despite the absence of injured striker Fernando Torres, who misses the chance to return to his former home where he is still idolised by the fans.

On Saturday, Liverpool twice trailed at home to Wigan Athletic before winning 3-2 thanks to a late goal from Dutch workhorse Dirk Kuyt who will lead the line on Wednesday. Kuyt lacks the finesse and speed of Torres but whenever asked to play a more central role he rarely disappoints.