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Former England internatonal John Barnes is predicting Leeds United to make a strong impact on their return to the Premier League and doesn’t fear them being relegated.

The Yorkshire club are currently preparing for life back in the top-flight and they have learned their opening fixture is a trip to Anfield to face defending champions Liverpool on 12 September.

Leeds are back in England’s top-tier after storming to the Championship title last season and playing some attack-minded high intensity football at Elland Road, with manager Marcelo Bielsa the mastermind behind it.

The Argentine boss has managed to transform his squad of players into a well-oiled machine and they will now try to repeat the same style against England’s elite.

Barnes has explained that he believes the Whites have enough to adjust to the Premier League, plus he gave a glowing verdict on manager Bielsa and praised his style of play.

“Yes I do,” Barnes responded on Sky Sports News when asked if Bielsa can have an impact in the Premier League (9:40am, 20 August).

“If you look at the way he actually plays football he plays football with adventure, with flair, [Pep] Guardiola talks about him being one of his major influences.

“When teams come up from the Championship you think who can stay up and do well? I think Leeds is one. Obviously they’ll make a few signings so I don’t fear for Leeds at all.”

TBR’s View:

Both Aston Villa and Sheffield United survived in the Premier League last season following promotion the year before, with the latter in particular really impressing the neutrals by punching well above their weight.

Leeds look to be one of the best teams to come out of the Championship in recent years and no doubt have a quality manager at the helm, but they could do with a few experienced signings added to their group and they must most importantly fit the system.