Skybet Championship: Mikel makes 40th start, Troost-Ekong 20th

Former Nigeria captain Mikel Obi returned to the starting line up for Stoke City to make his 22nd start for the Potters in 25 games this term and 40th overall in 43 games, BSNSports.com.ng reports. The former Chelsea star was subbed on in Stoke City’s last two games but was restored to the first team at Qakwell where the Potters are playing their host,Barnsley in a matchweek 32 tie. Mikel has provided just one assist in 24 games for Stoke City and the Nigerian will be looking to add to that and score his first league goal for his team. If he scores,it will be his second in the championship after scoring once in 18 games for Middlesbrough in the 2018/19 season. A win for Stoke City tonight will move them closer to the playoff zone. Meanwhile, Super Eagles vice captain William Troost-Ekong will be making his 20th start in 21 appearances for Watford in only his first season in England and the Skybet Championship following his switch last summer from Italian Serie A side, Udinese. Troost-Ekong has scored once for the Hornets and will be hoping for his second tonight at Ewood Park where they play Blackburn Rovers. Former Nigeria junior international, Isaac Success is still a little short of match fitness after a long injury lay off as he is not listed for the game. Success has not played for the Hornets since February 2020 when he came on as a 75th minute substitute for Roberto Pereyra in their 3-2 defeat to Everton in a Premier League game at the Vicarage Road stadium.