Football
Anna Harrington 4y

Maclaren boosts City in Reds A-League game

Melbourne City coach Erick Mombaerts faces the rare prospect of confronting the same opponent twice within three days, but can take comfort in Jamie Maclaren's A-League return.

City will host Adelaide United on Sunday evening at AAMI Park, before travelling to face the Reds in the FFA Cup final on Wednesday night at Coopers Stadium.

"We want first to play well but also to win," Mombaerts said.

"So, yes, we have to think about these two games very close - it's not also easy to play the same team in three days.

"But also we can organise some rotation but not too many, not too many - maybe three, four maximum."

One expected starter is Maclaren. He missed round one due to Socceroos duty, but scored four goals across two games for his country.

"He trained normally today so his feet are a little bit tired because he played the game and also the trip was also long but he is okay," Mombaerts said.

"He is a striker and it's very important strikers score goals. I want to congratulate him for scoring, especially when you score three in a row - that was a very good performance.

"Yes, we know Jamie can score ... and in our style, it's also very important to have this kind of player in our team."

Mombaerts said he hoped to see his side more confident and fluid in possession against Adelaide, compared to their opener when they had plenty of the ball against Melbourne Victory but ended with a scoreless draw.

He expected a "tough" opponent in Adelaide, who were reduced to 10 men and suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Sydney FC in round one.

City have close to a full-strength team to choose from for the Reds game, with playmaker Florin Berenguer - who will miss at least the next month with a hamstring injury - the only unavailable player.

Adelaide are without Ryan Strain (suspension).

FAMILIAR FOE: PLAYERS TO HAVE FEATURED FOR BOTH TEAMS:

* Riley McGree - The youngster started his career at Adelaide before being signed by Club Brugge. McGree went to Newcastle on loan in 2017/18 and had a loan season at City. He's back at Adelaide on a three-year deal

* Michael Jakobsen - The Danish defender joined City in 2016 and spent two seasons in Melbourne, including as captain in 2017/18. He was released by City last season and joined Adelaide

* Scott Galloway - After stints at Victory, Central Coast and Wellington, Galloway enjoyed a breakout year at Adelaide last season before joining City on a three-year deal

* Scott Jamieson - The City captain started his A-League career at Adelaide, playing for the Reds from 2008-10

* Rostyn Griffiths - The veteran had a short stint in 2009 as an injury replacement at Adelaide.

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