ROBERTO DI MATTEO was last night pondering whether to leave John Obi Mikel or Juan Mata out of Chelsea’s Capital One Cup clash with Manchester United this evening.

Blues boss Di Matteo was always likely to consider resting the midfield duo, given the number of changes the club traditionally make for League Cup ties.

But he also had to take into account their emotional state after it emerged they were the players Chelsea accused referee Mark Clattenburg of using ‘‘inappropriate language’’ towards during Sunday’s explosive Premier League game against United.

It was unclear last night whether either would prefer to sit out tonight’s revenge mission, which takes place against a backdrop of yet another racism saga that threatens to drag English football through the mud.

Clattenburg, who faces police and Football Association investigations, is understood to categorically deny any wrongdoing.

The official in the middle of what could be a febrile atmosphere at Stamford Bridge tonight is Lee Mason, who United boss Sir Alex Ferguson jokingly wished ‘‘Good luck!’’ even before the serious allegations about Clattenburg emerged.

That was because of the decision by Sunday’s referee to send off two Chelsea players and failure to spot Javier Hernandez’s winning goal should have been disallowed for offside.

By accident or by design, the atmosphere could be helped by the likelihood of both sides making a raft of changes for the fourth-round clash.

Fernando Torres and Branislav Ivanovic are both suspended following their red cards on Sunday, with John Terry is also banned.

Ashley Cole was likely to be among those rested and is suffering with an ankle problem anyway, while Frank Lampard remains out.

‘‘It is certainly a tricky situation,’’ Di Matteo said.

‘‘It is also our fourth game in ten days and they have all been big games, so we are looking to freshen the team up a little bit for sure, and also put a couple of youngsters in.

‘‘We always talk about developing and giving youngsters a chance so this type of game is a good opportunity for some of them.’’ Daniel Sturridge, Cesar Azpilicueta and Lucas Piazon – who has shaken off a hamstring strain – all look certain to start.