Jonathan Douglas said he expected Brighton and Hove Albion to provide Brentford’s toughest test of the Sky Bet Championship season so far.
The Bees welcome Brighton to Griffin Park today – Saturday September 13 – for their sixth game of the league campaign.
Brentford have beaten Rotherham United and Blackpool, drawn with Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City and lost to AFC Bournemouth so far.
Jonathan, speaking to Bees Player on Thursday, said he expected Brighton to be a tougher test than the ones Brentford have faced so far.
And he added it would lead in to a tricky run of fixtures with Norwich City coming to Griffin Park three days later and The Bees then heading to Middlesbrough.
“The run of games we have had so far have not been too bad on paper,” said Jonathan.
“Brighton were in the Play-Offs last year and Norwich have just come down from the Premier League.
“We then play Middlesbrough.
“We are looking forward to Saturday and if we play well we can pick up points.
“There is a lot at stake for both teams.
“They will want to close the gap on us and will come for us.
“So far there hasn’t been much of a difference between League One and the Championship.
“But we have played Rotherham, who we played last year, and Blackpool, who are going through a difficult time.
“Saturday will be the biggest test so far.
“Bournemouth are a good side but Brighton will be the toughest test so far.”
Brentford have not played since beating Rotherham two weeks ago.
International fixtures meant a week off for Sky Bet Championship sides last weekend and Jonathan said it was family time for him during a four-day break.
But he added Brentford’s players worked hard last week before their days off and it has helped the squad.
“It has been really good,” said Jonathan.
“I spent a lot of time with my daughter, which was nice.
“It is good to get a break from football and a break from training.
“But before we went we had a couple of hard days training.
“Since we have been back we have been preparing for Saturday.
“You need to work before a few days off, so it was needed and the lads have come back looking good.”
A full Bees Player interview with Jonathan Douglas is available here.