Martin Allen is expecting a “big test” against Brentford on Tuesday night as Barnet step up their pre-season preparations by hosting the Championship new-boys.

Mark Warburton’s side won promotion to the Championship last term by finishing second in League One, 12 months after missing out in the League One play-off final.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s visit from the other Bees following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Luton Town, Allen said: “They’ve spent lots of money, got some good players, a good manager, a fantastic fan base; the club is on the up and up.

“It’s a real big test for us but we need to give everything we’ve got for Tuesday night to make sure we play well, it’ll be a hard game for Brentford without a shadow of a doubt.”

Allen spent two years in the dugout at Griffin Park, helping the West Londoners stave off the threat of relegation from League One before twice finishing in the play-offs.

“I’m hoping that Brentford will bring a big following for what is an exciting and special London derby for me,” Allen told the club’s website.

“The game will obviously be a tough test against a team that have just been promoted to the Championship and are spending fortunes, but if we continue to play with the same energy and enthusiasm then I’m sure that it will be a good game to watch.”

The experienced trio of Charlie MacDonald, Jon Nurse and Gavin Mahon were all rested against League Two newcomers Luton Town on Sunday, with Allen expected to bring the trio back into the squad on Tuesday evening.

It was also confirmed on Sunday evening John Akinde was left unscathed after tumbling over the advertising hoardings in the first half against the Hatters, whilst full-back Andy Yiadom suffered a cut mouth which required two stitches – both are expected to be involved.

Brentford began their pre-season schedule with a 3-1 win at Boreham Wood on Thursday and have been busy in the transfer market.

Moses Odubajo has joined for £1m from Leyton Orient, whilst strikers Andre Gray (Luton Town) and Scott Hogan (Rochdale) cost more than a million pounds combined.

Alan Judge has joined on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers after spending the end of last season on loan at the club, whilst Alex Pritchard has joined on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.