'They've blown teams away' - Newcastle boss Steve Bruce wary of tough Leeds United test ahead of Elland Road meeting

Steve Bruce says Leeds United have 'blown teams away' with their commitment to high intensity football since Marcelo Bielsa's arrival at Elland Road.

The Argentine head coach made the move to West Yorkshire in the summer of 2018 and last season led the club back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

Bielsa's style of play with the Whites has attracted plaudits, with Leeds continuing to impress following promotion as the Championship's title winners in the summer.

United host Newcastle in LS11 on Wednesday night in top flight action and Bruce is ready for a tough test to kick off the busy festive period for the Magpies.

Leeds are looking to get back to winning ways on home soil having failed to pick up three points in their last five outings after defeat to West Ham on Friday.

Newcastle, meanwhile, defeated West Brom at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.

"We've all been impressed with Leeds and Fulham now look like a different outfit to what they were," Bruce said during his pre-match press conference.

"They're difficult games like they all are but we have given ourselves a really good platform going into Christmas which is always a difficult period. We've started quite well so let's hope we can do the same again.

"Physically as a team they're number one in the Premier League. They have the ability to run long distances very quickly and that's something Bielsa has brought into them. He's a top class coach and manager.

"It's no surprise to me because they did that in the Championship. They've blown teams away doing that and we have to be ready for that challenge."