Aston Villa boss Dean Smith expects Newcastle United to be safe from the drop this season.
The two teams meet on Friday night.
Smith, who succeeded Bruce at Villa in October 2018, expects Newcastle to stay up again after coming 13th last term.
Smith, 49, who guided Villa to 17th last term on the final day, reflected: “Steve certainly doesn't need any advice from me.
“I am a young pup compared to the amount of games he has managed – certainly at this level.
“I have total respect for him.
“You look at where they finished in the league table last season and we would have loved to have been where they were.
"It is one of a number of clubs that due to Fulham's results have been dragged into a battle for relegation looking over their shoulders.
“But with the experience that Steve and his coaching staff have got, I am sure they will pull themselves out of it."
