Redknapp and Keown discuss promotion race, Leeds and Villa fans will be delighted

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Jamie Redknapp and Martin Keown have told the Daily Mail that they both expect Leeds United to gain promotion from the Championship – and Redknapp believes Aston Villa will win the play-offs.

Leeds currently sit in third after a poor defeat to Sheffield United last time out. It saw the Blades overtake Leeds into second place, sitting a point ahead of Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Norwich, meanwhile, are four points clear of Leeds.

With eight games to go, the chase for promotion is hotting up with all teams in with a chance of finishing in the top three. Leeds take on bitter rivals Millwall at Elland Road on Saturday.

Former England stars Redknapp and Keown both believe Leeds will gain promotion – though Keown reckons it will be from the play-offs. Redknapp was also full of praise for Jack Grealish, and has backed Villa for play-off success.

Redknapp said: “I really like Norwich and Leeds will come up from the Championship with them. Jack Grealish, the best player outside the Premier League, has returned at the perfect time for Aston Villa and he can fire them to promotion, too.”

Keown said: “I’d like to see Chris Wilder come up with Sheffield United. Norwich should come up, too. The play-offs are a lottery but I think Leeds have enough.”

TBR’s view

Leeds have arguably played the best football in the Championship this season. What will determine their promotion run-in is two things. One, if they can handle huge fan expectation, and two, if they can be more clinical.

Against the Blades, Leeds had plenty of chances and could have been three-up by half-time. Tyler Roberts struck the post. Promotion is still well within their sights, but they need results as soon as possible.

Villa have been excellent of late under Dean Smith. With the defence sorted after a strong January window and Grealish given the captaincy, they look like the smart shout for the play-offs.