Championship: Mikel Set For 8th Start For Boro; Ajayi Targets 5th Rotherham Goal

Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel could make his eight English Championship appearance for Middlesbrough on Wednesday (later tonight) when they host Preston North End at the Riverside, reports Completesports.com .

Middlesbrough lost 2-1 to Brentford last Saturday – their first home defeat of the season and Tony Pulis and his team will be anxious to make amends with a win over Preston North End who have turned the corner.

Middlesbrough occupy fifth place in the Championship table currently, sitting seven points above Alex Neil’s men, so a win for Mikel’s team will move them to fourth spot and further boost their chances of a playoff finish should West Bromwich Albion fail to beat Swansea City.

Both teams have already played twice this season already, with the result ending in draw in the Carabao Cup and league games at Deepdale back in the Autumn and this third encounter should be no less close.

The Teessiders have recorded three wins two draws and two defeat since Mikel joined on a free.

At Pride Park, Oghenekaro Etebo is in contention to play for Stoke City when they face Derby County but Efe Ambrose remains doubtful.

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Etebo returned to training after recovering from a groin injury on Monday. The Nigeria international will be looking to add to his tally of one goal should he make his 23rd league appearance.

At Loftus Road Stadium, relegation battlers, Rotherham United will be banking on scoring form of Semi Ajayi when the Millers face Queens Park Rangers.

Capped four times by the Super Eagles, Ajayi has scored five goals in 39 appearances for Rotherham United this season in all competitions.

Ajayi has scored three goals in his last three games for Rotherham United who must win to keep hope of survival alive. He will make his 99th appearance for Rotherham United should he feature.

By Johnny Edward

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