Aston Villa defender James Collins says his former West Ham United teammates can expect no favours from him when they face-off.

Collins says West Ham are too good to go down, but won't take a backward step when he clashes with his former teammates.

He told Villa's website: "I'm looking forward to it. I spoke to a few of the boys already and they are looking forward to it so it should be a good game.

"I've got a lot of friends there and I certainly don't think they will be in that position come the end of the season.

"They've had a few injuries and a few knockbacks but there's no sympathy. I've left now, I'm a Villa player and I'll be looking to beat them on Sunday."