FORMER Gary McAllister, Leeds United manager and title-winning midfielder, is backing his former side to return to the top tier at the first time of asking, despite a heated battle for promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds and another of McAllister’s former clubs, Leicester City, are in a four-way tie for automatic promotion with Southampton and Ipswich Town.
On Tuesday, both Hull City and Rotherham United will face visitors from Yorkshire.
Hull are one of several clubs vying for a play-off spot at the end of the season, with Middlesbrough still having a chance.
West Brom, Coventry City, and Norwich City are among the teams in contention.
Leicester City, who visit Elland Road on Friday, remain hot favourites to win the title, with Leeds, Southampton, and Ipswich vying for second place.
McAllister believes that last season’s relegation quartet of Leeds, Saints, and Leicester will all be smiling at the end of 2023-24.
McAllister told betway.com that he believes the three promoted teams will return to the top division.
“Ipswich have done excellently to keep going, and it will be fantastic if they can secure a play-off berth, but Southampton and Leeds will only have enough for one to move up automatically, with the other through the play-offs.
“I’ve watched Leeds several times this season, and they can score from wherever on the pitch.
“I’m impressed with Glen Kamara, who came down from Rangers, and (Ethan) Ampadu in the middle of the park has performed admirably.
“(Crycensio) Summerville and (Patrick) Bamford are playing extremely well, and Championship defenses are unable to contain them.”
“Whether they can keep clean sheets is a different question. But I believe Leeds have just enough to finish second and earn an automatic promotion since the fans dislike play-offs!
“One thing is certain: next year’s Premier League will be much tougher for the bottom half because Leicester and one, if not both, of Leeds and Southampton will be promoted; they are Premier League ready.
“And, while Burnley definitely invested, it hasn’t worked out for them.
“Sheffield United haven’t but the likes of (Crystal) Palace, Wolves and (Nottingham) Forest will worry about what’s ahead I would think.”
