"I fancy them" - Pundit issues exciting Sheffield United prediction | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has exclusively revealed to FLW that he believes the Blades will be competing for promotion due to the recruitment done by Chris Wilder

Sheffield United have made a strong start to the new campaign, as Chris Wilder's men sit in eighth, just a point from the play-offs, as well as having a two-point deduction.

The Blades have reacted well to the outside noise that has been going around the Blades over the summer. Takeover rumours are persisting as Prince Abdullah's reign at Bramall Lane will soon be coming to an end, as the new American owners from California look to settle in soon.

Add to the frustration of the takeover taking longer than it should, a two-point deduction was allocated to the Blades, with the EFL issuing a statement in April saying: "The sanction relates to the 2022/23 season, when the Club defaulted on a number of payments to other Clubs. These defaults cumulatively were in excess of 550 days."

However, Chris Wilder's side have started the season strongly, after two wins and two draws, which is putting them as some people's potential promotion pushers.

Some of the transfer business was left late in the summer window due to the upcoming takeover, but Wilder has built a strong squad for this level.

"I expect them to be in the running" - Pundit backs Blades to push for promotion despite outside noise

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, Carlton Palmer, has praised Wilder for his recruitment this summer and believes they are taking all the right steps for a return to the top flight.

Now, with an international break, The Blades can plan ahead for what is looking like a potential bounce back to the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Palmer said: "Chris Wilder has done an unbelievable job given the circumstances at Sheffield United over the summer. With the takeover already happening, it meant they couldn't bring people in. It was difficult with the embargo on the football club.

"Chris Wilder wasn't able to do business until late on in the transfer window, because he acquired some very good players, so it's a game about taking time. The Blades started the season on a two-point deduction, so if you look at where they are now with the deduction, they're unbeaten, they'll be on eight points, which will put them in a play-off place.

"As I said at the start of the season, I fancy Sheffield United to be pushing for automatics, and I still think that, I thought Luton would, but they've got three defeats and one draw and are sat in the relegation zone. I do expect them to kick on from there.

"It might well be a more open league than I thought it was going to be. I fancy Chris Wilder's side, he's recruited very well, and I fancy them to be at the top of the table or there about.

"Given the situation, of how poor they were last season and the players they've had to let go, but a massive credit to Wilder and his staff. I expect them to be in the running for automatic promotion.

Blades have a squad that can compete for promotion

You'd expect any team that gets relegated from the Premier League to be competing for a return next season, but Sheffield United haven't had it easy and Wilder and his staff have managed to build a well-structured team.

To retain the likes of Vini Souza and Gustavo Hamer this season was massive for Wilder's side. Add to that the signings of Callum O'Hare, Harrison Burrows and Jesuran Rak-Sakyi among many others and the Blades are looking like a well-drilled outfit.

They've also incorporated their youth, with Ollie Arblaster having a brilliant campaign so far after two goals in four games, and consistent performances week in, week out, and Sydie Peck breaking through into the first team.

After a positive start and hard-fought wins, it wouldn't be wise to write off the Blades this season.