Bees head coach Peter Shreeves, who lifted the team from 14th to fifth place after taking over last season, is very confident they will be making a strong challenge for a top five slot again.

"There's an air of optimism about the place," he said. "We've done well pre-season, and have a young, talented side. Though we're short of experience, we're very fit and well-organised, and we'll be up there."

Barnet, facing a tough start away to Doncaster on Saturday and home to FA Trophy holders Yeovil on Tuesday, could be without six players, including captain Greg Heald.

Heald, Frazer Toms and Danny Brown all have groin strains; John Doolan is short of match practice following surgery on his back and Stuart Niven has an ankle injury.

Wayne Purser is not expected to return for another two to three weeks after breaking a leg in a 4-1 win over Margate in April.

Faced with such formidable opposition, it will not be a surprise if Shreeves take a gamble and includes Heald in the team.

Former Arsenal and Portsmouth midfield man David Hillier has accepted Barnet's offer of a one-month contract after impressing in pre-season friendlies, including the match against Arsenal last week.

"We could not have two much harder games, but we'll be fit and brave as we go about our business," said Shreeves.

"Besides, Doncaster and Yeovil won't be pleased to be playing Barnet. When all the players are fit, I'll be hard pushed to name my No 1 line-up," said Shreeves.

"Leon Bell, Lee Pluck and Ismail Yakubu have done well, and we have a good blend of young and experienced players."

Shreeves like his sides to take the game to the opposition, play a neat passing game and test them out.

Mark Gower was outstanding last season wih his creative skills and pace fom midfield.

"But sometimes you have to bide your time and weigh up the opposition's strengths before you press forward," he said.

Shreeves would probably be pleased with a point at Doncaster followed by a home win over Yeovil to put the Bees among the early title front-runners.

Title-chasers usually include a striker capable of scoring 20 goals a season.

Lively Junior Agogo could prove Shreeves' ace in the pack, and Purser and Ben Strevens will also be hoping to impress.

Barnet have been given odds of 9-1 for the Nationwide Conference title with bookmaker William Hill. Dagenham and Yeovil are 7-2 joint favourites, ahead of Doncaster (6-1).