Former Sheffield Wednesday star makes bold Leeds United and Sheffield United promotion claim

Carlton Palmer has backed Leeds United to push for a place in the Premier League this season - but does not view current leaders Sunderland as genuine contenders for an automatic promotion spot.

The Black Cats have made a stunning start to life under new head coach Regis Le Bris and sit proudly at the top of the Championship table as the league action gives way to the first international break of the season. The former Lorient boss has kicked off his reign with four consecutive wins after the Stadium of Light club collected maximum points from away days at Cardiff City and Portsmouth and home games with Burnley and Palmer’s former club Sheffield Wednesday. That has ensured Sunderland are sat two points clear of unbeaten West Bromwich Albion, with Watford, Leeds, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley leading the chasing pack behind the top two.

The start to the season has been a positive one for Leeds as they look to move on from last season’s Championship play-off final defeat against Southampton after Daniel Farke’s side claimed eight points from their opening four games of the campaign. After what felt like an underwhelming start with draws against Portsmouth and West Brom, the Whites have collected a pair of 2-0 wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City over the last ten days and that has left them in a promising positions as several Whites stars turn their focus towards representing their countries over the next fortnight.

Former England international Palmer has delivered an early take on the push for automatic promotion into the Premier League and claimed pre-season promotion favourites Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United will all be very strong - but the former Whites midfielder also insisted Sunderland are not realistic automatic promotion candidates and will be looking for a play-off spot as the season continues.

He told Football League World: “Le Bris has done very well and he has obviously brought a feel-good factor to the club. But they have a lot of young players and the transfer window has gone now and is closed. So, it will be interesting to see how they go, but it’s a fantastic start. I don’t see them as automatic promotion contenders, I really don’t. I just think Burnley and Leeds will be very strong, and Sheffield United will be very strong as well after coming down.

“You’ve got to remember they are on six points but were deducted two before the start of the season. Sunderland will be looking, you would think, to secure a play-off spot at least this season. Just on the basis of their start, but, for me, not automatic promotion.”

Leeds will return to action following the international break with a home game against Burnley on Saturday, August 14.