As he prepares for a table-topping tie at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, the ever-popular Luiz Felipe Scolari has been assessing the opposition.

It will be the Brazilian's first experience of a Chelsea v Liverpool game, an event that has become strikingly regular over the past four seasons, with 20 encounters between the two.

We are currently neck and neck with Rafa Benitez's side on top of the Premier League table, and Scolari is aware that his players face a challenge at the Bridge, commenting on Liverpool's recent tendency to come from behind and win.

'They have good forwards, their defence sometimes concedes one or two goals but they make three and they win. When they concede one or two goals they have confidence to think they will make three. They changed four or five games in the last ten minutes,' he said.

'They have balance and they counter attack, attack, and they give chances to the other teams to make goals. Because they have good players they make goals. I have some ideas but we need to respect this team because they change results and never accept to lose. This is the difference from other seasons.'

Scolari also recognises the importance in an early season victory over title rivals, having missed the chance against Manchester United last month.

'It's important because we divide the first position with Liverpool. It's important because who wins this game has an advantage for the next game and maybe in the future, but what I say sometimes is the same now - it is three points.

'I know that it is more difficult than other games maybe, but it is the same three points as against Stoke, Hull or Fulham. We need to beat these teams and we need to beat Liverpool, but sure, for players and coaches it is an attractive game.'

The 59-year-old has been praised by key players Frank Lampard and John Terry this week, recognition he is clearly proud of.

'It's because I am a friend, I have only one face. I remember that I was a player, not very well, but I was a player. I played 16 years and I know what they feel sometimes,' he explained. 'They respect these characteristics. It is very well to hear them say something for me.'

Scolari is currently unbeaten as a Chelsea manager after 12 games, and rates his current charges among the best he has ever had.

'When I was in Gremio we built one fantastic team. We had young players for the club and some players that the other teams didn't want. We won many championships. After in Palmeiras we had good players and after a year-and-a-half we put in young players and won the Copa Libertadores again.

'This team that I coach now is a team that are training with more happiness [than I have seen] in my life. Every time when I start as a coach I want to see professional players with passion and I see it in this team, passion and professionals. It is one of the best I work in in my life.'