Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has insisted Leeds United won't be troubled with a relegation battle after a strong start to the season.
The Whites have taken seven points from their opening five Premier League matches following Monday night's 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Elland Road.
Leeds are back in action on Friday when they face in-form Villa, who have made a fine start to the season after picking up 13 points from their opening five games.
It's a reunion of the two clubs for the first time since their controversial encounter at Elland Road in 2019 before Villa were eventually promoted through the play-offs.
Having followed them into the top-flight the following campaign, Smith believes that Leeds are well adept to avoid fighting for survival, having closely studied their opening five encounters.
"I’ve seen all five of their games so far and they’re very competitive," Smith told the press.
"They’ll win more games than they lose this season – that’s for sure. I don’t see them being in a relegation scrap at the end of the season.
"They’re the fittest team in the league and every team that has played against them so far has actually got their top numbers during that game.
"There’s a certain work ethic there but there’s also a lot of quality there as well."
On his relationship with Marcelo Bielsa, Smith added: “I’ve got total admiration and respect for him and what his team have done.
"He’s improved the players at that football club and he’s rightly getting the plaudits.”
The match is live on BT Sport Box Office but will cost £14.95 for any potential viewer.
