Carson spent an ill-fated loan spell at Villa Park last season and the Claret and Blue opted against making a move from Liverpool permanent during the summer.
Now the England stopper is aiming to keep the Baggies out of the drop zone and more immediately, hoping to keep Villa out in the local derby.
Villa now have big American Brad Friedel between the sticks and have made a good start to the season, currently sitting in the top six.
West Brom will be hoping to gain a second victory in a row at home after defeating West Ham in a thrilling encounter last time out.
As well as Carson, focus will also be on defender Curtis Davies, who is returning to his former club for the first time since completing a move across the Midlands.
Davies was a fans favourite for Albion but he will be subjected to more than a few boos when he returns to his old stomping ground.
After a good win in two wins in the space of four days, Villa will look to claim a big victory against the Baggies.
Points on the road are crucial for consolidating the sixth place finish last season and Villa will know just what this game means to the fans.
Albion will come out firing and surviving the first 20 minutes is vital, but the Claret and Blue are more than capable.
And if Carson is in the sort of form which cost him a big money move to the pride of the Midlands, Villa could easily come away with all three points.
John Carew, Ashley Young and Davies should all return to the starting line-up for the game.
Craig Gardner, James Milner and Carlos Cuellar are likely to be restored to the bench.