Scolari warns Chelsea to go the extra mile against Liverpool

      LONDON (AFP) - Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned his Chelsea stars they will have to go the extra mile to beat Liverpool in Sunday's Premier League showdown.

      Scolari's side are flying on all fronts after beating Roma 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday to remain firmly on course for the second round of Europe's elite club competition.

      But Scolari's thoughts had already turned to this weekend's Stamford Bridge clash with Liverpool just minutes after the final whistle blew against Roma.

      The Blues top the Premier League on goal difference from Rafa Benitez's side, who like Chelsea are unbeaten in their first eight matches, so a victory for either side would be a major psychological blow to their title rivals.

      While Chelsea have no reason to fear Liverpool, Scolari knows his men will have to go the distance to beat a team who make a habit of scoring late goals.

      "I want to play beautiful football against Liverpool because they are a strong team," he said. "They fight not for 90 minutes but for 100 minutes. They have won four games after 85 minutes.

      "We need to play very well and pay attention until the referee finishes the game.

      "Most important for us in this moment, if we don't play well, is to score one or two goals and win the game."

      Scolari's team got the perfect preparation for Liverpool's visit against Roma. With Fernando Torres injured, Liverpool are likely to make a point their principle aim on Sunday, so it was a useful test to overcome the obdurate Italians.

      Luciano Spalletti's side produced a gritty, disciplined display that frustrated Chelsea for three quarters of the match but the hosts never let their concentration waver and finally broke the deadlock thanks to John Terry's first goal of the season - his first at home since August 2006.

      The victory left Chelsea on top of Group A with seven points from a possible nine. They are yet to concede a goal in Europe this season and Scolari believes one more win will be enough to book their place in the knockout stages.

      "We have only one more game in our home and we needed this three points," he said.

      "This win is important because I think we need three more points.

      "It is also important because they have more confidence. They know if sometimes they don't play well but are good tactically and stay in their positions it is better for us.

      "When we play against Roma in Rome I think they will play a different style and we will have more chances.

      "We are in good condition for first or second position but we are not finished yet. If we draw there maybe I am satisfied because we are in a good condition to qualify."

      John Obi Mikel's surging run that Philippe Mexes ended with a cynical trip led to one of Chelsea's few first-half chances. Frank Lampard almost made Mexes pay from the free-kick as his fierce strike grazed the crossbar.

      Although Salomon Kalou tested Doni with a low strike, for once Scolari's side weren't getting it all their own way.

      But they finally got through in the 77th minute. Lampard whipped in a corner to the near-post, where Terry, who has been struggling with a back injury, timed his run perfectly to beat Mexes and Rodrigo Taddei to the ball and power his header past Doni.

      Roma have taken just three points from their first three group matches but Spalletti is convinced their improved display against Chelsea can be a springboard to qualify alongside the English club.

      "There is only one point between three teams. We have three games left and our chances are pretty much the same as they were before this game," he said.

      "We showed a great attitude and good spirit. This is something we need to carry on so we get back to the way Roma can play.

      "This performance sets the tone for the way we need to improve over the next few months. I remain convinced we deserved more and it gives us hope for the return."