The first of Manchester United's two mid-season friendlies in Spain will take place on Wednesday evening, with the Red Devils set to face La Liga outfit Cadiz.
Man United will be back in competitive action on December 21, facing Burnley in the EFL Cup, while Cadiz will resume their La Liga campaign at home to Almeria on December 30.
Match preview
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Cadiz were last in competitive action on November 13, suffering a 3-2 defeat to Real Union in the Copa del Rey, which followed a 2-1 loss to La Liga champions Real Madrid in the league.
The Yellow Submarine faced Xerez in a friendly on November 30, though, playing out a goalless draw, and they are now preparing to take on Premier League giants in the shape of Man United.
Cadiz will not actually resume their La Liga action until December 30, when they welcome Almeria, before travelling to Valencia in their first league game of 2023.
A total of 11 points from 14 matches has left Sergio Gonzalez's side in 19th position in the La Liga table, with the Pirates facing a real battle to secure their status at the top level for another campaign.
Cadiz are in their third straight season in La Liga, which represents their best run in the competition since the early 1990s, and they are only one point from the safety of 17th position, with plenty of football left to play.
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Man United, meanwhile, were last in action against Fulham in the Premier League on November 13, recording a 2-1 victory over the Cottagers, with Alejandro Garnacho coming up with a last-gasp winner.
The 20-time English champions have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, while they have only lost once since the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City in the league at the start of October.
There have been huge signs of progress this season under Erik ten Hag, with the team currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played a game more, while they will take on Barcelona in a Europa League two-legged knockout round playoff in February.
Man United will play two friendlies during their training camp in Spain, taking on Cadiz on Wednesday evening before facing Real Betis on Saturday.
The Red Devils will then head back to Manchester to prepare for their EFL Cup contest with Burnley on December 21, while their next Premier League game will be against Nottingham Forest on December 27.
Team News
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Cadiz have only had one first-team player away at the World Cup, with Awer Mabil named in the Australia squad, and the 27-year-old will be unavailable here despite the national side's recent elimination.
Head coach Sergio will make full use of his squad in this match, but a strong XI is expected to take to the field for the first whistle.
Ruben Sobrino, Anthony Lozano and Alex Fernandez are among those expected to be in the side, but Victor Chust, Jon Ander Garrido and Joseba Zaldua remain fitness doubts.
As for Man United, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony, Fred, Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Facundo Pellistri are all either still at the World Cup or have been involved in the competition.
As a result, an inexperienced squad has made the trip to Spain, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Charlie Savage, Zidane Iqbal and Charlie McNeill hoping to be given opportunities to impress.
There are familiar faces in the shape of David de Gea, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial, Garnacho and Anthony Elanga, though, and they could be named in the starting side.
Fit-again Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also pushing to be involved, but Jadon Sancho has been left out of the squad, with the attacker currently undergoing a personalised training programme.
This match will also represent the first time that the team have taken to the field since Cristiano Ronaldo's contract was terminated.
Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Ledesma; Carcelen, Fali, Cala, Espino; Alejo, Fede, Alcaraz, Sobrino; Alex, Lozano
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Mengi, Williams; McTominay, Iqbal, Van de Beek; Elanga, Martial, Garnacho
We say: Cadiz 2-2 Manchester United
We are expecting an open and entertaining match on Wednesday, and Cadiz will fancy their chances of picking up a positive result considering the players that will be missing for the Red Devils. Man United boss Ten Hag can still call upon plenty of quality, though, so we have settled on a draw in Spain.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Matt Law
