City fans can watch Kav in action on Sky Sports 1.
Kav is joined in midfield by Andy Reid of Nottingham Forest, who is making his debut and Premiership players Steven Reid of Blackburn and Chelsea's £17m man Damien Duff.
One time City target Gary Doherty plays up front with Spurs team mate Robbie Keane.
I need to come in and make an impression if I am going to be part of the team on a regular basis," said Kavanagh.
"I feel I've improved a lot since I last played for Ireland and I think over the last two years I have been more consistent than ever."
Team: Given (Newcastle); Carr (Tottenham), Cunningham (Birmingham), Dunne (Manchester City), O'Shea (Manchester United); S Reid (Blackburn), Kavanagh (Cardiff), Duff (Chelsea), A Reid (Nottingham Forest); Keane, Doherty (Tottenham).