OXFORD United want a physical test as they fine tune preparations for the new campaign with a trip to Barnet this afternoon.

The friendly at the Hive is the last game before the Sky Bet League One campaign kicks off at home to Chesterfield in a week’s time.

After hosting Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion in the last two fixtures, United specifically booked a trip to Barnet for a very different challenge.

Derek Fazackerley, the U’s assistant head coach, said: “It was put into the calendar for a reason, because we knew playing against Leicester and Brighton we might not see a great deal of the ball, which proved to be the case.

“Against Barnet, we know we’re going to have to show other qualities.

“We’ll have to defend well from set plays and long throws.

“It will be more of a physical test rather than the technical test we’ve had in the last two games.

“We’ve got to be a team for all seasons and be able to match the type of teams like Barnet and also compete with the teams like Brighton and Leicester.”

United’s trip to the Bees in March ended up in a 3-0 victory, but it was anything but straightforward.

The hosts bombarded the penalty area whenever possible and Michael Appleton’s side needed to show plenty of defensive grit before they were able to get on top.

It is a useful dress rehearsal for League One, which contains many direct sides.

Central defender Aaron Martin, who was at Coventry City last season, said: “There were a few.

“You’ve got teams like Millwall and Bradford, big physical sides that will play similar football to that.

“I was in a team that played a similar style to what we’ve got here and we beat both of them.

“As long as everybody knows the way we play and produces, there’s no reason why we can’t beat them.”

The game will be the first chance for U’s supporters to see new signings Kane Hemmings and Tyler Roberts in action.

Alex MacDonald is the only player likely to miss out through injury.

A scan showed the winger had a minor tear in a hip muscle which has disrupted his training for the past fortnight, although he is expected to return next week.