London - Guus Hiddink says he expects to be the new coach at English Premier League club Chelsea next week, Dutch radio reported on Wednesday.

The Dutchman, who will continue in his role as Russia coach, told Radio 538: "One of these days I will go to London. I expect to be there on the field next week.

Hiddink has a contract as Russia coach until the end of the 2010 World Cup, but is set to combine the roles at least until the end of the season.

He will fill the void created by the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari on Monday, who lost his job after seven months in charge.

Hiddink said he will watch Chelsea's FA Cup fifth-round match with Watford on Saturday.

"It's never enough time to prepare a team in one week but this is an exceptional situation," he said. "Chelsea have good players and they should be in top form and that should make my job easier."

"There are two scenarios: it goes bad and they say 'go back east' or it goes well, but I'm not thinking that far ahead."

Chelsea lie fourth in the English Premier League, seven points behind leaders Manchester United. (dpa)