Scolari dare not fail against Manchester United

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON (Reuters) - Luiz Felipe Scolari might have to make a quick call to his agent if Chelsea lose to Manchester United on Sunday.

If reaching the Champions League final for the first time and losing only on penalties was not enough to keep his predecessor Avram Grant in a job, then the Brazilian had better watch out.

It seemed preposterous when bookmakers suspended betting this week on Scolari becoming the next Premier League manager to get the sack yet, such is the impatience that has infected the modern game, that scenario could come to pass only halfway through his first season in England.

Chelsea go into the game (at 4 p.m.) in second place, three points behind Liverpool and four ahead of United, who have two games in hand.

Chelsea's away form, which produced wins in their first eight away games, kept them flying high at the top but recent draws at Everton and Fulham, combined with their stuttering performances on home soil, have cost them dear.

It is only because the other challengers have also been dropping unexpected points that the Londoners have not fallen dangerously adrift.

ONE-DIMENSIONAL

Last weekend's home Cup draw with League One (third division) Southend has merely added to the disgruntlement of the fans, who are not happy with the one-dimensional fare Scolari is serving up for them nor the apparent lack of zest among the players.