The Claret and Blue's, Northern Irish boss was part of the Nottingham Forest side, which defeated HSV in the 1979/80 Champions Cup Final.
That win was one of the defining moments in his illustrious playing career and O'Neill will now be hoping that his Villa side can claim a similarly satisfying victory on the continent.
The former Celtic manager knows all about big European nights and although he is set to rest several first team regulars, O'Neill will still be looking for a win against Martin Jol's men.
But former Spurs manager Jol, has a good record against his Villa counterpart as he is unbeaten in their three meetings.
The Dutchman will be aiming to ensure top spot in Group F with a win as that would see his side paired with a third placed team from another group in the knockout stages.
It would also provide the added benefit of playing at home in the second leg in that tie.
Villa have the same goal themselves and the second string that is likely to take the field at the HSV Nordbank Arena will be looking for a marked improvement on the poor display in the 2-1 defeat against MSK Zilina at Villa Park.
Players such as Moustapha Salifou and Zat Knight will be called upon to restore their reputations after horror shows against the Slovakian minnows two weeks ago.
On form duo Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor have not travelled with the squad as O'Neill looks to rest key players ahead of the trip to West Ham on Saturday.
The manager will be confident that his back up players can give a good account of themselves as Villa look to cause a Forest style upset.
The last time the Claret and Blue stepped foot on German soil in a competitive match was against Berliner FC Dynamo on the run to the Champions Cup win in 1982.
And the Villans will hope that history repeats itself as they look to not only defy Hamburg, but to set themselves up for a run to this year's UEFA Cup final in Istanbul.