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Dean Smith’s Aston Villa host Leeds United on Friday night in the Premier League and he’s been extremely complimentary of his upcoming opponents.

Villa, who sit second in the league table at present, have started the new campaign with four wins from four to leave supporters dreaming of a European bid this year.

Meanwhile, Leeds have seven points from their opening five games to make it a decent return to the top-flight following their promotion.

The Yorkshire club were narrowly beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last match at Elland Road and will be looking for a response against Villa.

Smith is predicting that Leeds will win more games than they will lose this season and is impressed by them.

“They will win more games than they lose this season, they’re the fittest team in the league and they have quality as well,” he said.

Smith added he’s a major admirer of opposite number Marcelo Bielsa, who was the man who masterminded Leeds’ promotion last season and is a high-profile manager across the world of football.

“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.”

TBR’s View:

Leeds are a side that are earning widespread praise for their impact on the Premier League this season and they are certainly one of the entertainers, but Villa are perhaps the biggest surprise so far with their 100 per cent start.

They’ve played a game less than most, but have scored 12 goals and conceded just twice in their first four league games.

It’s going to be a fascinating showdown between the two teams at Villa Park on Friday night and Leeds go into the contest without their injured talisman Kalvin Phillips, which is why the hosts might start as slight favourites.