The Dutch midfielder, who signed for the Claret and Blue from Coventry City in July 1999, joined Middlesbrough in 2002 following a much publicised row with then Villa boss Graham Taylor.
Boateng outraged the Villa faithful by claiming that the club wouldn't win anything in the near future and that he had to leave to further his own ambitions. With that statement in mind it was hard to see why he joined a club like Boro who have never been considered one the English elite.
In a way, Boateng will feel that his decision was vindicated as Villa have remained trophyless since 1996 whereas the Teesiders won the Carling Cup in 2004 and went on to reach the UEFA Cup final in 2006.
Now in the autumn of his career - Boateng faces a scrap to keep his current side Hull in the Premier League but there would be a little irony should he fail to do so with Boro also being relegated.
Villa, who have been in relegation form themselves of late, will certainly have a say in the battle against the drop as they play all three real contenders - Newcastle, Boro and the Tigers.
Phil Brown has called for hunger from his side, but Martin O'Neill will echo that sentiment to his own troops.
Villa really need a morale boosting win and almost as importantly they could do with a clean sheet. The defence has been particularly porous of late as everyone is aware with Zat Knight and Curtis Davies really struggling for form.
Wizard
However, should the Claret and Blue make the Tigers look toothless on Monday, you would have to think that a fifth place finish is still more than likely.
O'Neill will look for Gareth Barry to combat his former teammate Boateng with Stiliyan Petrov likely to keep tabs on Brazilian wizard Geovanni should he start.
With this game likely to be one of Barry's last in a Villa shirt - as he looks to follow Boateng in search of the gold at the end of the rainbow - a big performance will be expected.
Gabby Agbonlahor could return up front in place of Emile Heskey after missing out a Bolton due to a hamstring injury and Luke Young should be fit.
The meeting between two of the most out of form sides in the Premier League will certainly be an intriguing one and the Boateng boo factor can only add to the spectacle.
Hull clearly feel that this game is more important to them than it is to Villa and with good reason. But for the Villa Park faithful a home win is essential.
Boateng may return to his former stomping ground with a point to prove but make no mistake - the current Villans need to put on a show too.