Steve Bruce has revealed his admiration for Wolverhampton Wanderers but admits that their playing style reminds him of what he is trying to achieve at Newcastle United.
Wolves also operate with a 5-3-2 formation but have rattled in 59 goals since being promoted in 2018 when they amassed 99 points in the Championship.
Now Wolves have the taste for the Europa League and are in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages after collecting six points from their first three matches.
Nuno Espírito Santo has insisted on playing a strong side this season in Europe and refuses to rest players for Premier League games.
When asked his views on this weekend's opponents, Bruce said: "I think they have played strong sides since they've gone into Europe - they have made it a priority.
"I can only be quietly impressed with what they've done.
"They romped the Championship a couple of years ago then finished seventh in the Premier League last year.
"They were arguably as good of a Championship side that I have ever seen.
"They had two or three players that shouldn't have been playing in the Championship a couple of years ago. They have done remarkably well.
"It's a wonderful return.
"They have good players and they play in a certain system.
"It's similar to ours. They do it very well.
"They are threat, they have already played in 17 or 18 games this year and only lost a few of those."
Newcastle fans know fine well how tough playing in the Europa League after the Magpies were almost relegated in 2013 just a season after finishing fifth.
Back then Alan Pardew's side were hit by injuries and a run to the quarter-finals cost the Magpies dear as they needed to win their penultimate game of the domestic campaign in order to stay up.
Bruce said: "It's always a difficulty. It is always hard to get the mindset of playing Thursday-Sunday.
"The big teams are used to it because the repeatedly play in Europe each year.
"It can be difficult and I hope we can benefit from it."
Bruce then quipped: "Let's hope they are really tired, bruised and battered and their flight has been delayed five hours.
"But they are a good side. If they are tired hopefully we take advantage of it."
