Norwich currently lead the Championship table with 20 points while Newcastle sit fifth on 16 points and Villa 17th on nine points.
Sky Sports pundit has been discussing the prospects of the three sides who were relegated to the Championship from the Premier League last season – Newcastle United, Norwich City and Aston Villa.
Each of the three sides have had different experiences with life in the Championship so far this season with Norwich unsurprisingly being one of the early pace setters, while Newcastle have had a slightly more mixed start but have still looked reasonably impressive with five wins and a draw from their opening nine matches.
Villa on the other hand have not managed quite so well with just one win so far under manager Roberto Di Matteo.
The Villans did manage to rescue a late point against the Magpies at the weekend but their early season form is not resembling a promotion chasing side.
And Cottee believes the Villa squad are still feeling the effects of a disastrous 2015/16 season in the Premier League in which they finished on just 17 points – the third worst in Premier League history.
“Norwich and Newcastle are okay but I think Villa have got a lot of work to do,” the former striker told Sky Sports News.
“There were so many problems last year and it takes time for all of that to filter through with new players arriving.”
And while the former Canaries forward is backing Villa to improve, he is still tipping Newcastle and his former club for an immediate return to the top flight.
“I think (Villa) will push on, but for me Norwich and Newcastle are my favourites to go up,” Cottee added.
The Villans will be looking to pick up just their second win of the season away to high-flying Barnsley on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off) before Norwich and Newcastle lock horns at St. James’ Park for a crucial Championship heavyweight clash on Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off).
Do you agree with Cottee’s predictions?
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