The Boro boss was a Villa player when he missed the crucial penalty that saw England knocked out of Euro 96 and he will now try to mastermind a way of knocking Villa out of the European running.
Southgate has endured a difficult few days after his side were beaten by Cardiff on Saturday. That performance not only saw the side knocked out of the F.A. Cup, but also drew a lot of criticism from fans at the Riverside. However, the most inconsistent side in the Premiership cannot be written off and they are quite capable of putting in as display that would be the antithesis of the one against Cardiff.
Villa will look to focus on their own performance as they go into the game in good form and in a good position in the league. They sit sixth but are eight points behind fellow fourth spot competitors Everton and Liverpool.
The last ten games will be vital for Villa and just as in a penalty shootout; there is no room for error. The Claret and Blue will have to cope without Curtis Davies who is out for the rest of the season, but Zat Knight will be happy to step in against Boro.
Nigel Reo-Coker and Olof Mellberg should also be fit enough to start meaning Craig Gardner is unlikely to start.
For the visitors Jeremie Aliardiere is unavailable due to suspension and Seb Hines is injured.
George Boateng is likely to start as he returns to Villa Park once again and he along with his manager will look to gain a satisfying victory.
Boateng and Southgate both left Villa with less than a fond farewell meaning they will probably be roundly booed. The game could be like a 90 minute penalty shoot out with just Middlesbrough taking penalties. Unlike at Wembley on that night against the Germans, Southgate will be unnerved. It's up to Villa to hit the target as they search for coveted European qualification.