Spotlight on opponents as Sheffield United line up new pre-season friendly in Portugal

Sheffield United have lined-up a pre-season friendly against newly promoted Portuguese outfit Casa Pia. The club hopes to play the fixture during its warm-weather training camp in Portugal in early July.

The date is yet to be confirmed and fixture yet to be officially signed off, but both sides have expressed an interest to play each other and it should be made official shortly.

Casa Pia takes its name from a children's charity and is based in Lisbon, where Sheffield United will be based. The stadium, Estádio Pina Manique, is named after the charity's founder and has a capacity of 2,574.

Their promotion to the top flight last season was a historic moment for the club, which formed in 1920. It's their first taste of Primeira Liga action for 83 years.

They secured promotion on the final day. They went into the fixture in second place by one point from third-placed Chaves. A 5-1 win away at Leixoes secured the final automatic spot, with Chaves unable to overtake them having lost 3-0 at champions Rio Ave.

One player might be of note to English EFL fans, with Ricardo Batista formerly of Wycombe and MK Dons. Joao Pedro Silva was their top scorer last season with 11 goals.

They traditionally line up in a 3-4-3 formation.

The majority of United's players return for pre-season training at the club's Randox Health Academy next week, with those who have been on international duty allowed to take extended time if they wish.

United will also play a series of friendlies in the UK upon their return from Portugal.