Sunderland defender Carlos Cuellar has admitted that it will be "emotional" to return to Villa Park later today but insists that his side have to win the game.

The Black Cats can all but secure their Premier League status with a win against Aston Villa to move eight points clear of Wigan Athletic in 18th place.

"First of all we have to look after ourselves," Cuellar told the club's official website. "We need to win and carry on to the best finish possible.

"I hope we are going to win on Monday. Afterwards I wish Villa all the best to win their last three games. It will be emotional to play there, but I am ready for that and very excited."

Cuellar spent four years at Villa after moving from Rangers in 2008.