The Dutchman argues that teams such as his should not have to back-up so often and that the FFA should recognise the pressures placed on them by the crowded schedule of midweek cup ties.

Kamau scored the opening goal in Adelaide's grand final win over Western Sydney Wanderers before crossing to City in the off-season. He missed Tuesday night's fiery FFA Cup semi-final win after being struck in the face by the ball during City's A-League loss to Perth Glory the previous Friday.

Van 't Schip on Thursday said that he was fine and available for selection against his former team.

However, Argentine winger Nicolas Colazo, who missed the loss against Perth, had surgery on a perforated eardrum on Wednesday and van 't Schip has ruled him out for the next few games.

Talisman Tim Cahill had a recovery and gym session on Thursday and did not emerge for training with the rest of the first team but is expected to play.

Ivan Franjic, another long-term injury victim, came off the bench for a brief cameo in the FFA Cup semi-final win over Victory, but he is unlikely to be risked for the clash against the title holders.

Van 't Schip believes the FFA should tinker with the fixture list to make life a bit easier for teams who go deep into the FFA Cup and Asian Champions League.

"If they want to make the cup that important in the future they have to be more aware of the teams that come further into the cup and the scheduling around other games," he said on Thursday.

"That's something for the future, how can you help the teams better who are playing in the ACL or the FFA Cup to prepare better for a game that they want to make important.

"Make it important by making sure that the preparations for that game can be important as well, not only before but after those games."

Van 't Schip said that his Argentinian playmaker Colazo would not be risked but he hoped to have him back as soon as possible.

"Colazo had surgery yesterday and all went well. He went in this morning for a check-up. That was good.

"He could heal quicker than they say. Hopefully in a few weeks' time we will have him available.

Ivan is not ready yet ... he continues his programme, and that's more important than having him playing. Hopefully we can have him ready to play in a few weeks' time. Bruce is OK. "

The City coach said the fixture pile up would be a good test of the depth of his squad.

"From the start we have said we have a strong group. If we have to make changes to freshen it up or because we have players we don't think are completely recovered then we have players who can step in."

City have made great use of their wide men this season – Argentine Fernando Brandan in particular has made a big impression – but Kamau has had plenty of admirers.

"I think the team is progressing as a whole and everybody has a role in that. The wingers have a very important role. Fitzy [Nick Fitzgerald] did it in the last game. For the way that we want to play they are fit, disciplined and dangerous," van 't Schip said.

Van 't Schip gave short shrift to suggestions that his City side was getting favourable treatment from referees after it had been on the end of physical approaches from Perth Glory in the round two A-League game and Melbourne Victory in the FFA Cup semi-final.

"In the season you get what you deserve all over the whole year. It's every time the same. Now we get to hear these kind of stories, if it's the other way round you never hear them [if City are losing].

"They think the attention is too much on us. They will maybe use other kinds of things on us. We have to focus on our game we don't have to worry about what other people are saying."

Nevertheless he had some sympathy for Kevin Muscat's anger over City's first goal on Tuesday night, the reaction to which has earned Muscat a rebuke from the game's governing body and facing a potential suspension for remarks he made about the referee Shaun Evans.

"I can understand, but I also think that [Lawrence] Thomas [Victory's goalkeeper] had a clear vision on the shot."

Muscat argued that Thomas' view of Luke Brattan's shot had been impeded by an offside Tim Cahill and therefore the goal should have been ruled out.