Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has admitted that he is expecting a hostile atmosphere when his side take on Leeds United at Elland Road this evening.
While the Villains presently find themselves in fourth place in the Championship table with 35 points from 19 games, the Whites are in eighth spot on 29 points.
Leeds and Aston Villa have passionate sets of fans and there is rich history and tradition associated with both clubs.
And Bruce, who thinks it is a great game to be involved in, feels the atmosphere at Elland Road is bound to be intimidating when his side visit Leeds.
“Aston Villa against Leeds United would grace any league”, he said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
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“There's big support, big history and big tradition at both clubs.
“It's bound to be a hostile atmosphere, too.
“It's a really great game to be involved in.”
Bruce then went on to add that Aston Villa have to defend well against Leeds, who he thinks are lively up front.
“They've got a very decent team, especially at the top end of the pitch – they're lively”, he continued.
“One thing we'll have to do is defend well.
“We've been more than decent lately, so let's hope that continues.”
Aston Villa failed to beat Leeds in the two league meetings last season; the Yorkshire giants won 2-0 at home in early December before drawing 1-1 at Villa Park later in the month.
