Villa have been drawn away at Portsmouth in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
Martin O'Neill's men, who beat Sunderland on penalties to make it through to the last eight, will have breathed a sigh of relief after avoiding the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, a note of caution must be sounded as Pompey thrashed Stoke 4-0 at Fratton Park in the last round and, despite their relegation struggles, Paul Hart's men do seem keen to perform in this competition.
The tie will be played in the week commencing November 30.