If the Claret and Blue suffer a cowardly lion like collapse towards the end of the season, they will be forced to play a two legged game in order to try and reach the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.
Villa will only be eligible for the Intertoto if they finish in the top eight of the Premiership which looks likely at the moment.
However, all fans will be hoping that the club can reach the Emerald City without the need for a back up clause.