Long and short of it is that Scolari will relish his new Stoke experience

Stoke City's game is based on a physical approach and long-ball tactics, with the missile-like throw-ins of Rory Delap their principal weapon.
Their methods are in stark contrast to those used in the Brazilian championships, which are characterised by a slow build-up and short passing.

Despite coaching eight clubs in his home country as well as being in charge of Brazil and Portugal, Scolari admitted that the concept of "Route One" football was not something he was familiar with.

Asked whether he had ever played against a team like Stoke, Scolari said: "No. In the Brazilian national competitions, teams do not play with that style.

"But these experiences are good for a coach. I am learning every day about players, systems and clubs.

"For a coach, it is very good to play one day against Manchester United, then against Portsmouth in the Carling Cup, followed by the Stoke game and then Cluj in the Champions League.
"It is just as important for us to learn to play against Manchester United as it is to play against Stoke.

"Stoke managed to get a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, so that was a warning for us. We will need to be ready for them tomorrow."

Chelsea's success in recent seasons has been built on their durability and capacity to prevail when not at their best, and it is likely that Scolari's men will need those qualities more than ever at Stoke.

The game comes just four days before the Champions League match at Cluj, but the congested fixture list does not mean that any of their senior players are likely to be given a rest.
Whereas Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger rested all his key men for their midweek Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United, Scolari fielded a formidable-line-up for the 4-0 triumph at Portsmouth.

Scolari went further today, indicating that "five or six" players would figure in virtually every game if fit, meaning Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard, Deco and Didier Drogba can look forward to a heavy work load this season.

The former Portugal coach said: "You can rotate sometimes, but it is impossible to change all the players. You need to have a base. Five or six players need to play all the games. We have made a good start to all the competitions, and we want to try to reach three finals."

Joe Cole joins Deco and Carvalho on the injured list after picking up a knock in training this week, but Drogba could retain his starting place after playing 79 minutes at Portsmouth.