Chelsea v Manchester United preview: Round two for rivals as Mark Clattenburg is probed

A police investigation into Sunday’s referee Mark Clattenburg was launched today following accusations that he used “inappropriate language” towards John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata during Sunday’s heated encounter.

Clattenburg has completely denied the allegations, which are also being probed by the Football Association.

And United boss Alex Ferguson wished tomorrow night’s referee Lee Mason good luck for what is sure to be another fiery clash.

The Red Devils chief revealed that he would be making changes from Sunday’s side, with the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand set to be rested while Michael Keane, Marnick Vermijl and Scott Wootton could be involved.

Ferguson said: “Obviously we will make changes for the Wednesday game.

“The squad that played against Newcastle will be in place again. You don’t want to lose down there and we want to continue in the cup.

“Any game down there is going to be tough. There has been good progress there since Roberto di Matteo took the job. They are big games — and big games are good for us.”

Roberto di Matteo is also set to make changes, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Victor Moses, Marko Marin and Daniel Sturridge likely to start.

Elsewhere, holders Liverpool host Swansea and Reds chief Brendan Rodgers, who was praised today by former Anfield chief Gerard Houllier, is expected to make a number of changes for the visit of his former club.

Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez are likely to be rested after a busy schedule over the last week, while goalkeeper Jose Reina is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

It means the likes of defenders Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates, and midfielders Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing are are set to play.

Rodgers’s Liberty Stadium replacement Michael Laudrup will pick Gerhard Tremmel in goal as Michel Vorm recovers from a groin injury.

Laudrup is also waiting on fitness tests for skipper captain Ashley Williams and Wayne Routledge, while young left-back Ben Davies is likely to be rested.

Finally Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor is a doubt for his side’s cup tie at Norwich as he suffers from a stomach bug.

Mousa Dembele (hip) could also miss out as manager Andre Villas-Boas rests a number of his first-team players, meaning the likes of Hugo Lloris, Andros Townsend,
Yago Falque and Kyle Naughton could all start at Carrow Road.

Canaries boss Chris Hughton is also likely to rotate.