Leeds United are currently in second place in the Championship table, while Aston Villa sit in eighth spot.
Leeds beat McClaren’s QPR side to consolidate their position in the top two yesterday.
And the former England manager feels that the Whites will have a chance at returning to the Premier League although he wants to see them make additions in January.
McClaren has also noted the progress that Villa have made in recent weeks, and feels that the claret and blues have made themselves promotion contenders.
He said: “Strange league here, very even. Starting to see six, seven, eight teams coming through, including Villa and Stoke. A lot of big clubs. Only three go up, a lot of disappointed clubs come the end. Beginning to see the pressure of that. It’s who handles the pressure the best in terms of mentality and squad. Leeds are going to be up there without a shadow of a doubt, but four or five over Christmas will pull away.
“If they don’t there’s going to be some very disappointed owners. Nobody more experienced than Bielsa to get them up.
“They’ve got injuries now. Cooper’s a big loss. Ayling’s just coming back. They need resources. January’s very big for the top-six teams. Some big teams expecting to go up now.”
Leeds are currently five points clear of third placed Sheffield United, after a wonderful first half of the season.
Villa, meanwhile, are in eighth place – just four points outside of the play off places.
The Midlands side have made great strides in recent weeks, with Dean Smith’s appointment sparking an improvement in their form.
Leeds are next in action on Saturday against struggling Bolton Wanderers, while Villa take on Stoke City.
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