The Norwegian front man is bound to be gearing himself up for one of his biggest physical challenges of the season against a man he knows all too well.
The player in question was reported to be a target for the Claret and Blue this summer and Carew even issued a 'Sign him up' plea to Martin O'Neill prior to Villa's 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage in May.
If you hadn't already figured it out, Brede Hangeland is the focus of our attention and it is he who will aim to marshal his countryman Carew out of the game at Villa Park.
Hangeland, was pinpointed by many fans and of course by his international teammate as the man to replace Martin Laursen at the heart of the Villa back four.
Unfortunately, it seems his price tag, which is as steep as his beanpole frame, has put off any likely suitors.
It says something for Fulham supremo Roy Hodgson that Hangeland hasn't been detracted from the task at hand by rumours linking him with the Premier League elite.
Hodgson has built a team at Craven Cottage, which finished seventh in the league last season and one which will now take on
some of Europe's big guns in the Europa League.
Ammunition
Trips to Rome and Basel await for the Cottagers and that will be irksome for Villa who cannot boast similar European jaunts this season after they were eliminated by Rapid Vienna on Thursday.
Hodgson has done a superb job in West London and he has done it on a shoestring budget.
The worldly wise boss has built a compact unit, emphasised by their resilient goalless draw at Villa Park last season.
Villa were left frustrated by that result as they could have gone third at the time and Carew and co will be ready to right the wrongs of that game this time around.
Goals will be on the agenda and should the Claret and Blue snatch an early one, the Fulham will be forced to bare their attacking teeth.
The first strike of the match could be key, so if Carew can win the battle of the big Norwegians then it should be advantage Villa.
There is of course the possibility that Gabby Agbonlahor will start alone up front with his powerful strike partner providing the ammunition from the bench.
Weapon
O'Neill could go with the team which played so well at Anfield on Monday and that would mean roles for Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell in the Villa midfield.
Steven Warnock will make his first appearance for his new club as he replaces Nicky Shorey at left-back, but Richard Dunne has not signed in time to play.
Curtis Davies is a doubt at the back so youngster Shane Lowry is on stand-by.
For Fulham, new boy Jonathan Greening, who is on loan from West Brom, should make his debut with Damien Duff lining up on the left flank.
Villa's nemesis Andy Johnson is out, meaning Bobby Zamora may start on his own up front with Clint Dempsey in a supporting role.
Hangeland will inevitably be the boss at the back and if Villa have the beating of him then they should really win the game.
They certainly have a secret weapon who knows his weaknesses so don't be surprised to see cult hero Carew score what could be a crucial goal on Sunday.