Aston Villa find themselves in a rather precarious position ahead Thursday night's UEFA Cup second leg encounter with Litex Lovech at Villa Park. Knowing they are in an extremely commanding position at 3-1 ahead following the away leg, the Villa players may feel somewhat apprehensive heading into the game.
They will be fully aware that an early away goal for the Bulgarian side could make for a very edgy evening indeed, as the sides battle it out to clinch a place in the group stages of the competition.
Villa should have too much in terms of quality and know how but things don't always pan out as you expect them to in football.
Given the strength of the starting eleven that took to the field in the Carling Cup against Championship team Queen's Park Rangers, Martin O'Neill's side should have progressed comfortably. They did not.
After putting themselves in such a strong position, Villa's elimination is improbable.
Banana Skin
However, if Villa aren't on the ball from the very off and asserting their authority and superiority, the night has banana skin written all over it. Having said that banana skins are there to be avoided and an Aston Villa team high in confidence sitting pretty in third place in the Premiership should have way too much for the Bulgarian rank outsiders.
Should O'Neill go with his strongest side or something that closely resembles it, his free scoring outfit could not only see off the opposition, but really go to town on them.
It would be great to build on the excellent first leg result and head for the group stages in a blaze of glory.
Glamour clubs including AC Milan, Sevilla, Hertha Berlin and Feyenoord await. Not that these are teams that Villa should fear in any way
With the strength of the squad and the news that summer signing Steve Sidwell is close to a first team return it is a challenge that should be met head on.
O'Neill has spoken of his desire to make these European night's really special occasions and has called for the typically boisterous backing he has come to expect from the Villa Park faithful.
Optimism
For years Villa fans have looked on as teams like Tottenham, Bolton, Everton and Newcastle competed at the business end of the UEFA Cup wishing they could just make it as far as the first round.
Well, the reality is that Villa now have a real chance to achieve something this year.
The reason for such optimism? Having one of the best managers in the world armed with the class of Carew, Young, Barry, Laursen, Friedel and Petrov allied with the potential of Milner, Agbonlahor, Sidwell, Davies, Reo Coker and Cuellar.
The rest of Europe should be sitting up and taking notice of the Claret and Blue.
Assuming you already have the job done however can make for a very uncomfortable night for players and fans alike. We have been warned.