Carlisle United expect Dundee United to set them the ideal test as the Blues look to tune up for League One.
The Cumbrians are back at Brunton Park on Saturday for their final pre-season friendly.
They take on Scottish Championship visitors who are already into competitive action this season.
The game will see Paul Simpson aim to fine-tune preparations for Carlisle’s return to League One in a week’s time.
Assistant manager Gavin Skelton said: “They [Dundee United] are already under way.
“They’ve had a couple of disappointing results but when you look at the squad and some of the players they’ve got, they’ll be a really tough test.
“They’ve got some really talented players and they’ll be disappointed with the results they’ve had, and they’ll be wanting to go into their league season the week after in a good place.”
Dundee United, managed by Jim Goodwin, began their Viaplay Cup campaign with defeats to Spartans and Partick Thistle.
They have since responded with wins over Peterhead and Falkirk, ahead of their league opener at Arbroath next week.
For Carlisle it will be a seventh and final pre-season friendly but their first at home.
When Carlisle United faced Dundee United in a mid-season friendly in 1965
It will see the Cumbrians back at Brunton Park for the first time since May’s unforgettable play-off semi-final second leg victory over Bradford City.
It means home debuts could be handed to summer signings Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Dan Butterworth, with fellow pre-season additions Jack Robinson, Alfie McCalmont, Ben Barclay and Fin Back also set to renew acquaintances with Carlisle’s ground and home fans.
The game comes at the end of a week of heavy speculation around midfielder Owen Moxon amid reports of a rebuffed £250,000 Blackpool bid.
Skelton this week said Moxon was continuing to work as normal, was being treated no differently in light of the transfer talk and was “absolutely fine” in the face of the headlines.
And Carlisle went on to issue a "not for sale" statement regarding the Denton Holme star.
United’s assistant manager said this weekend’s game had a “real” feel about it which should put Carlisle in good stead for their last week of league preparation.
“It feels more proper, being back there on a Saturday, and with a week to go,” said Skelton.
“It’s not the same as the real thing but it’s a step up, a notch up towards where we want to be.
“There’s excitement – really looking forward to the new challenge. We’ve got promoted, we’ve got a good bounce, a good momentum and I can’t wait to get going.”
Dundee United, who are preparing for life in Scotland’s second tier after last season’s Premiership relegation, could involve new signing Declan Gallagher after the Scotland international defender joined the Tannadice club from St Mirren this week.
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