Wigan's Steve Bruce has revealed his respect for new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of the duo's weekend clash.

The Latics are set to host Chelsea at JJB Stadium on Sunday, with Bruce hailing the Brazilian as one of the ‘the best coaches in the world'.

Chelsea head north on the back of a handsome opening day 4-0 defeat of Portsmouth, the same weekend that saw Wigan perform well but ultimately lose 2-1 at West Ham.

Despite the early contrasting fortunes, Bruce is looking forward to pitting his wits against a manager who he holds in the highest regard, and one who he backs to succeed in the Premier League.

"Scolari has an unbelievable record in the world game. But this is his first club job for seven years and he is at Chelsea to test himself further.

"The Premier League is the best in the world and now we have one of the best coaches in the world.

‘Before him, Chelsea had Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant who were excellent coaches too, and it's fantastic to pit your wits about people like that.

‘Scolari has the resources available which are the envy of us all and I'm sure he'll do very well there."

Bruce, a former Manchester United star, also said that only Chelsea have what it takes to wrestle United's title away from Old Trafford.

"You can't write Chelsea off when it comes to the title," he continued. "It was so close last season - it went right down to the wire.

"It wouldn't surprise me if it went the same way again, both Chelsea and Manchester United are exceptionally good teams.

"Liverpool and Arsenal will be hoping to win it, but I still think it will be between Chelsea and United."