A lot has been said and written about Chelsea’s problems, but Steve Tilson has warned his players that they will be facing one of the best teams in the world at Roots Hall this evening.

The Southend United manager holds a team meeting before every game to analyse their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, but this week’s get-together was shorter than usual. “There’s always a section for our opponents’ weaknesses which I put up on the board, but when it comes to playing Chelsea, I just left it blank,” he said. “I’m sure they will put their best side out.”

Chelsea can expect a frosty reception in more ways than one. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s millionaire players are used to the luxuries of Stamford Bridge, but the away dressing-room at Roots Hall is tiny and the heater is broken. “It will definitely be a culture shock for Chelsea,” Tilson said. “There’s no carpet in the dressing-room and the concrete floor is chipped.”

Although Southend have won only one of their past nine matches in CocaCola League One, Tilson is hoping that his players will spring another surprise, just as they did when they knocked Manchester United out of the Carling Cup, by beating them 1-0 at home in November 2006.

“We will try to stay in the game for as long as we can and the longer it goes, the more nervous Chelsea will get,” Tilson said. “They haven’t had the best of times just lately and hopefully we can take advantage of that.”

Scolari’s job could be on the line if Chelsea lose, but Tilson is already planning for his side’s League One match away to Stockport County on Saturday. “We have to believe in ourselves, but at the same time we remain realistic,” he said. “They are in the top two of the Premier League and we’re in League One. These nights don’t come along too often and we’ve got to make the most of it. With a lot of luck, you never know what might happen.”

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