“I think it will be” - Brian Deane makes Leeds United, Sheffield United promotion prediction | OneFootball

Brian Deane believes that Leeds United and Sheffield United will win promotion to the Premier League.

Brian Deane has backed former clubs Leeds United and Sheffield United to win promotion to the Premier League this season, with the two sides set to meet at Elland Road on Friday night.

Both Yorkshire sides were expected to be in the mix to go up this season, with Leeds having suffered play-off final agony in the previous campaign, whilst the Blades were relegated from the top-flight.

And, even though it’s early days, both clubs are in a good position, with the Whites fifth and Sheffield United second, although Leeds can leapfrog Chris Wilder’s side with a win.

Brian Deane expects Leeds and Sheffield United to win promotion

So, it’s a huge game on Friday, and the Blades will see it as a great opportunity to create a gap between themselves and their rivals.

However, regardless of how the game plays out, Deane explained that he feels both clubs will be celebrating a return to the Premier League come May.

"Yeah, I think so. You also have a couple of other teams that have started well, like Sunderland, and there’s usually a dark horse.

"I think if you look at the season Leeds had last year, they will have learned a lot from how that season ended, and will have reviewed and looked at places where they need to be stronger this season. For me, this season they’re playing with a lot of pace and dynamism so far, and you need that dynamism if you’re going to do something in this division, but also have some very good technical players.

"I think it’s just if they can get the balance right, and I think I’d love to see a little more physicality in there, as there will be games in the season where they’re playing teams who just want to come and have a physical battle with them and if they can overcome that, then their quality will show.

"I wonder, come January, if they’re going to need somebody to do that, with the lesson from last year of looking at what they need come the end of the season and what they need to get over the line, and not look too predictable.

"Chris Wilder knows this division and knows how to get out, so I think it will be those two teams, but it is going to be an exciting season, and I'm looking forward to seeing it unfold!"

Leeds and Sheffield United have the quality to win promotion

Most would agree with Deane’s assessment, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the two clubs occupied the automatic promotion places at the end of the season.

But, as outlined above, Sunderland will have something to say about that, and there are still plenty of clubs in the mix who will also have ambitions of securing a top two finish.

We know the Championship is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it such a great league, with Ipswich Town defying the odds last season.

So, it will be interesting to see how it plays out over the coming months, but there’s no doubt that Leeds and Sheffield United are two big hitters, and the fixture at Elland Road gives a chance for one side to make an early statement in this promotion race.