Villa travel to Elland Road tonight (7.45pm) and it’s a fixture which Bruce believes is worthy of the Premier League.

“Aston Villa against Leeds United would grace any league,” he said at his pre-match press conference. 

“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.”

Leeds have scored 29 goals in 19 league games, with summer recruits such as attacking midfielders Samuel Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski impressing, and Bruce is wary of their forward line. 

“They've got a very decent team, especially at the top end of the pitch – they're lively,” he said. 

“One thing we'll have to do is defend well. We've been more than decent lately, so let's hope that continues.”

Villa have a hectic fixture list in December with six games scheduled, which Bruce believes could define their campaign. 

“It's fair to say it's the biggest month of the season – absolutely with the games we've got coming up,” he said. 

Aston Villa EXCLUSIVE: Leeds United clash not a ‘yardstick’ for promotion hopes

“I’ve said it before, we're barking mad in this country. But it is what it is.

“The rest of Europe will be having a break and we've got six games in a very short period of time.

“There's no more difficult start to December than Leeds United away, either.

“It's a big crowd, a big atmosphere and live on the TV. It's all to play for.”