West Bromwich Albion midfielder Craig Gardner is shocked by the relegation problems of former club Aston Villa.

The second City neighbours go head to head in a crunch derby duel tomorrow night in which second-bottom Villa are under huge pressure to win.

"I know what it is like myself going down and I wouldn't wish that on anyone," the said the 28-year-old.

"If you say 'who would you rather go down, them or us?', obviously I'm going to choose them.

"We have a bit of banter and they have a bit of banter with me and things like that. But I am surprised (where they are in the table).

"Everyone is fighting for their lives. I wouldn't say it is a decent time to play them because they are at home and fighting, like we are."