Anfield’s Crunch Title Clash Mikel set to start as Blues rest key players

Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi is set to get a rare start today as Mourinho has been given the go-ahead by Chelsea’s board to pick a second-string team at Liverpool, after accepting that the club’s title hopes are over.

The Nigeria international has been displaced from the team since the arrival of Nemanja Matic in January.

The Special One is preparing to carry out his threat to save his remaining fit, first-choice players for the Champions League semi-final second leg at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The Chelsea manager believes that their Barclays Premier League title chances are over after the 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland last Saturday left his side five points behind leaders Liverpool.

And Chelsea’s football board, Dave Barnard, Bruce Buck, Ron Gourlay, Marina Granovskaia and Eugene Tenenbaum, all support Mourinho’s decision after meeting to discuss the situation.

Mourinho lost goalkeeper Petr Cech and skipper John Terry to injuries in Tuesday’s first-leg draw at Atletico. It means third-choice keeper Henrique Hilario could start his first Chelsea game in three years to protect 41-year-old keeper Mark Schwarzer.

There may also be chances for youngsters such as Tomas Kalas, Nathan Ake and Under-21 defender Andreas Christensen.

Manchester City, who also travel to Crystal Palace today, are six points behind Liverpool but with a game in hand. They will monitor Chelsea’s team selection with interest.

But Mourinho can select any player in their 25-man squad list without fear of sanction; action would likely only be taken if a number of younger players from outside the list are selected.

Mourinho had an extraordinary row over this issue during his time as Real Madrid boss in Spain. In 2010 he criticised then Sporting Gijon coach Manuel Preciado for making eight changes ahead of a game at Barcelona.