Back in La Liga following their promotion from the Segunda Division, Alaves will be bidding to make the perfect start to their 2023-24 campaign when they travel to Cadiz on Monday night.
The home side finished 14th in Spain's top flight last season, just two points clear of the relegation zone, while Alaves secured promotion via the Segunda Division playoffs to return to this level.
Match preview
Cadiz are set to enter their fourth straight season at this level of football, which is their best run since the early 1990s. Last season, the Yellow Submarine claimed 14th, but their battle for survival went to the final day.
As it transpired, a 1-1 draw with Elche on June 4 was enough to keep them in the division, with Sergio Gonzalez's side finishing 14th in the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Cadiz have been active this summer in terms of the transfer market, with Gonzalo Escalante, Sergi Guardiola and Darwin Machis among those to arrive to boost the squad.
Theo Bongonda has been their major departure to Spartak Moscow, but the squad looks well-equipped for the new season, and they will be hoping to stay clear of any relegation battle.
Cadiz played seven friendlies over the summer, recording six wins in the process, and they rounded off their preparations for the new campaign with a penalty-shootout win over Lecce last weekend following a 1-1 draw.
Alaves, meanwhile, secured a return to La Liga through the Segunda Division playoffs, finishing fourth in the second tier before beating Eibar and Levante in the playoffs.
The Blue and Whites were relegated from La Liga at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, as they finished in 20th position, which ended a six-year stay in Spain's top flight.
Luis Garcia's side have been active this summer in terms of incomings, with Antonio Blanco arriving from Real Madrid, while Ander Guevara and Andoni Gorosabel are also among those to join the club.
Alaves have also allowed a number of players to leave, so there will be a fresh look about the squad this season, with the team looking to consolidate at this level once again.
The Glorious One played five friendlies over the summer, recording three wins, but they will enter this match off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Burgos last weekend.
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Team News
Cadiz will be without the services of three players for Monday's contest through injury, with Brian Ocampo, Luis Hernandez and Guardiola on the sidelines for the Yellow Submarine.
Loan arrivals Machis and Javi Hernandez are both expected to be named in the starting side, while Ruben Sobrino, Roger and Chris Ramos are all likely to be starters.
Escalante has joined the club on a permanent basis from Lazio following a loan spell, and the 30-year-old is set to make his official debut for the home side in this contest.
As for Alaves, there is likely to be a debut at right-back for on-loan Real Madrid defender Rafa Martin, while Guevara should debut in midfield following his arrival from Real Sociedad.
On-loan Atletico Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone picked up a significant ankle injury against Burgos during pre-season, though, and he is now facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Miguel de la Fuente could lead the line for the visitors, while there will also be starts in advanced areas for Xeber Alkain and Luis Rioja.
Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Ledesma; Carcelen, Fali, Mbaye, J Hernandez; Sobrino, Escalante, Alcaraz, Machis; Roger, Ramos
Alaves possible starting lineup:
Sivera; Marin, Sedlar, Abqar, Duarte; Guevara, Blanco; Alkain, Guridi, Rioja; De la Fuente
We say: Cadiz 1-1 Alaves
There is not a huge difference when it comes to the quality of these two sides, and we are expecting them to be in a similar position in the table at the end of the season. This match has a draw written all over it, which both managers would likely take if it were offered ahead of kickoff on Monday night.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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