Villa must overcome the old enemy of complacency as they bid to reach the UEFA Cup proper for the first time since 2001.
On that occasion, the Claret and Blue were defeated on the away goals rule by Croatian minnows NK Varteks.
John Gregory's side had lost the home leg 3-2 and could only manage a 1-0 win on the continent.
The abysmal performance at Villa Park had wasted a long hard summer, which included three two-legged Intertoto Cup ties.
In 2002, it was a similarly soul destroying European exit.
Graham Taylor took his Villa side to France for an Intertoto Cup fixture against Lille and secured a creditable draw to take back to the Midlands.
But the Villa side, including Olof Mellberg and Gareth Barry, again threw away their chance of a prolonged European campaign as they lost the home leg 2-0.
This time round it must be different.
Complacency must be crushed when the whistle blows on Thursday night in Iceland.
Giants
Martin Laursen and John Carew will be called upon to guide the side into battle against Hafnarfjordur.
With plenty of European experience under their belts, the Scandinavian giants must be strong and show the younger players what is required.
In Reykjavik, men, not boys are needed. It will be time for Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young to come of age.
Gareth Barry may be brought back into the fold and his passing ability would be invaluable.
New signing Steve Sidwell is set to miss out and, whether Villa fans like him or not, Barry would provide power in midfield alongside Nigel Reo-Coker.
However, the lightweight Stiliyan Petrov is a more likely candidate to start in place of Sidwell and he will need to show a lot more desire than he displayed against Odense.
In defence, Nicky Shorey will debut in place of long term absentee Wilfred Bouma after his recent move from Reading.
Martin Laursen could be partnered by Curtis Davies, who hasn't played competitively since March, while Zat Knight provides an alternative option.
Latest recruit Carlos Cuellar is ineligible, as is Luke Young, meaning Craig Gardner will start at right back.
Gabby Agbonlahor will partner John Carew up front and the young Englishman could really do with a goal to get his season up and running.
Guard
Villa will need everyone firing as they face what could be a capacity crowd of around 9,800 in the Icelandic capital.
The Midlanders will have to put in a big performance to stop the home side taking a lead into the game at Villa Park in two weeks time.
But, if they play to their ability and guard against an instinctively lax attitude, they should secure at least a comfortable draw.
Then again, when have Villa ever done anything the easy way.