Saints travel for National League One side Nottingham tonight, and then play host to touring Australian Super 14 outfit Western Force
at Franklin's Gardens tomorrow.
Mallinder isn't making his team for either game public, but it is likely that the 15 which trot out for the clash with Force is going to be stronger than the one selected for tonight's trip to The Bay.
But some players will have to play some part in both which will make for a physically demanding few hours.
And that is exactly what Mallinder wants his players to go through with the big Guinness Premiership kick-off against Worcester Warriors just over a fortnight away.
"We need to give as many of our players as possible game time in the build-up to the Premiership," said Mallinder.
"But they also need to be playing against tough opposition.
"That was why we went to France and why we are playing Nottingham and the Force this weekend."
Saints opened their pre-season campaign with a narrow 14-5 defeat to French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne last weekend, a game which followed on from the players being put through a full training session in the day.
This weekend's games are all about getting the squad up to Premiership pace,
and Mallinder believes
that although Nottingham are a league one side,
their pack is of top flight standard.
"Nottingham pushed us all the way in National League One last season," said the former Sale Sharks and England Saxons coach.
"Their forwards were some of the most streetwise and proficient we faced last season, and have strengthened their squad over the summer."
It is sure to be a physical clash at The Bay, but there's little doubt the main test of the weekend for Saints is going to come from Western Force, who finished mid-table in the Super 14 earlier this year.
"The Force have brought over some of the most exciting young players in Australian rugby and have had some good results so far on their UK tour," said Mallinder.
"We will be approaching both games in the same way, no matter who is in our playing squad that day.
"We had a good start against Clermont Auvergne and the pressure is now on for all of the players to make the next step this weekend."
Tickets are still available for tomorrow's match against the Force.
Ticket prices apply to all areas of the Franklin's Gardens stadium and are as follows: Adults £15; Concessions £12; Juniors £8
To book, call the Saints ticket office on Northampton 581000.