Scolari challenges fringe players and insists Wright-Phillips is happy

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The former Portugal coach only took over the Chelsea reins at the start of July, but has revealed he knows the majority of the squad who will line up at Stamford Bridge on August 17 after identifying a key group of players who will lead the title challenge.

And with three games of the Blues' tour of Asia and Russia remaining, including Tuesday's meeting with a Malaysian League Select XI in Kuala Lumpur, Scolari is looking for players to step up and earn their place in the side.

In the dugout: Scolari

'I have some ideas but I need to train more with the team over the next three games,' Scolari said.

'I have in my mind one idea for the team to play against Portsmouth, but until then I want to see how the players train. I have a minimum of 75 per cent of the team in my mind but I need to know the other 25 per cent.

'I know who my key players are. I have had 15 days with them and I know who is important for us to play more games than other players.

'You need to build a team around a few players in essential positions for important games and I now know who they are.'

Shaun Wright-Phillips could be seen as a player who is expected to be fighting for a place in the side next season should the England midfielder remain at Stamford Bridge.

The former Manchester City man made over 30 appearances for Chelsea last season but struggled to hold down a place in the side and has been linked with a summer move to Portsmouth, rumours Scolari insisted on Saturday where new to him.

'I have spoken to Shaun today at training and he is happy at Chelsea,' Scolari added.

'If he wants to leave the decision is not only for me but also for the board. Shaun has done a good job up to now, the other players love him and so do my team.'