Chris Wilder delivers prediction involving Sheffield United, Burnley, Norwich City and Watford | OneFootball

Chris Wilder has given his prediction for the Championship’s three promotion places.

The former Sheffield United and Middlesbrough manager believes that former Premier League sides will have the edge due to the size of their resources compared to their rivals.

That includes the likes of the Blades, as well as Burnley and Watford, who he has identified as the likely candidates to go up this campaign.

However, Wilder has also predicted the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City to earn a play-off place this year.

Speaking to League of 72, the 55-year old claimed that his old club United and Burnley have the best chance of gaining the top two spots.

From there, he believes that Watford have the edge over Norwich City, Rovers and the Sky Blues.

Parachute payments were cited as a big reason why he is willing to back these three clubs, as it is an example of the kind of wealth they are able to compete with.

“Sheffield United but they don’t run away with it,” said Wilder.

“And I would say [Burnley] sneak into 2nd, then the play-offs are Watford, Norwich, I’m going to stick Blackburn in and I think Coventry will get in the play-offs.

“And I think if Watford say yes on the day, they can destroy anyone and they’ve got big-time players.

“Sorry – ex-Premier League teams, parachute payments and stuff like that, I think you’ll find Burnley, Sheffield United and Watford will be playing in the Premier League next year.”

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There was no mention of Middlesbrough, who Wilder was recently dismissed from.

Boro have since climbed the table under new manager Michael Carrick, and now sit just four points outside the play-off places as we approach the halfway mark of the season.

The Championship action returns in full this weekend.

The Verdict

Burnley and United have looked a cut above the rest of the Championship so far this season, so they will be many people’s favourites for automatic promotion this year.

Watford and Norwich both have shown a lot of quality, but lack the same consistency as Burnley and United.

Meanwhile, Rovers have looked impressive under Jon Dahl Tomasson, and Coventry have shown incredible form under Mark Robins to rise from bottom of the table to 12th in just a number of weeks.