Hamburg boss Martin Jol has wasted little time kicking off the UEFA Cup mind games after today declaring Villa favourites to top Group F.

Yesterday’s draw pitted Villa with German Bundesliga leaders Hamburg, two-time European Cup winners Ajax, Slavia Prague and MSK Zilina of Slovakia.

It may be the ‘group of death’ that could have materialised, but the opposition standing between Villa and a place in the last 32 is tricky.

But former Albion star Jol has cranked up the pressure by claiming Martin O’Neill’s side are the best equipped to progress – despite Hamburg being seeded first and Villa fourth.

“It’s a nice group, and it should produce some good games,” said the former Spurs boss. “Ajax Amsterdam are a big club, but for me Aston Villa are the favourites to win the group.

“Slavia Prague are experienced and they have strengthened, while MSK Zilina continue to be a very compact team, they are second in the Slovakian table at the moment. We,re looking forward to these fixtures.” 

First up is a plum home tie against Ajax on October 23  which has all the ingredients to create a thrilling European night at Villa Park. 

And the Amsterdam club’s coach Marco van Basten revealed he was pleased to be facing both Villa and Hamburg away from home.

“That is good for us”, said the former Holland coach. “If you win your home games, you have a fairly good chance to go through.”