Chris Wilder and Sheffield United were in an automatic promotion competition last season, but Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough are now competing with Coventry City for the Championship’s top two slots.

Hull City is not far behind, either. However, the top three has remained unchanged for the duration of the past few months.

The Blades can also push for promotion through the play-offs, with Wilder and co eight points behind with a third of the games remaining.

Sheffield United could have done much better this season if they hadn’t begun so poorly under Ruben Selles. This follows the disappointment of losing the play-off final to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium, having barely missing out on automatic promotion to Burnley and Leeds.

Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough are aiming to avoid that fate, as both may still finish above Coventry City. A play-off campaign would still be considered a successful season, but nervousness and tension are tough to overcome in such a high-pressure environment.

The question is who can hold their nerve the best prior to that, in an automatic promotion race that appears to be coming down to the wire.

Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough verdict comes amid Kieran McKenna and Ipswich Town praise.

Middlesbrough travel to Sheffield United on Monday night to play their old manager. Wilder led Boro for 11 months after being appointed in November 2021, but was removed of his duties in October 2022 following the club’s terrible start to the 2022-23 season.

He is, nevertheless, connected with Sheffield United, as well as with the quest for promotion. He was unable to deliver on Teesside, but he did receive two promotions in South Yorkshire, with other near-misses.

He understands what it takes to fight at the Championship’s top level, which is why he has spoken out on Boro’s promotion prospects ahead of Monday, as well as the possibilities of Coventry and Ipswich.

Wilder told SUTV, as stated on X by The Bladesmen, “I feel it will be two out of three. “I believe Coventry, Ipswich, and Middlesbrough are the top three teams in the division.””I think it’s a close one to call, but Coventry will come again—(they) made some good signings and got a brilliant manager.”Middlesbrough has been there or thereabouts, and Ipswich, despite the fact that we handed them over a few weeks ago, is the strongest group in my opinion, led by one of the top managers in the country — and they have that experience.”

Bramall Lane might influence the Championship promotion battle.

Sheffield United lost back-to-back 1-0 and 5-0 against Middlesbrough and Ipswich in August and September, respectively. However, this is a new-looking side.

Wilder has previously beaten McKenna’s Ipswich in recent weeks, winning comfortably 3-1 little over a week ago. They now have the possibility to grab more from Middlesbrough, but Bramall Lane is expected to be crucial in the promotion chase.

Coventry will travel to South Yorkshire at the end of February. Hull are currently in contention, and they will also meet Sheffield United in mid-April. Clashes with one another will also be important, but no one expects an easy game against the Blades anymore.

Sheffield United have improved dramatically, particularly after Wilder’s reappointment. When you consider the strong end of the transfer window, it’s reasonable to suggest that they should be re-evaluated in terms of their league strength — 15th place does not represent that.