Reims vs PSG live on August 29, 2021 as Messi and Neymar gear up for their 1st appearance

August 29, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Reims, PSG, Ligue 1

The two South American superstars look to make their first appearances for Pochettino's side in Sunday's showdown with Reims. Here's a preview of that clash.

Preview

PSG are getting ready for Matchday 4 in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 season, with the French giants set to lock horns with Reims at 2:45 p.m. ET at the Stade Auguste-Delaune II. Three points are up for grabs, which is of the utmost importance in a title race, but all eyes will be on one thing and that is Lionel Messi's league debut.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting PSG's marquee summer signing, but since arriving in the French capital, Leo has simply focused on his fitness in training. He played no part in the victories over Strasbourg and Brest but has been included in the Matchday squad for this weekend's showdown, meaning a cameo off the bench is expected at the very least.

The addition of Messi to their lineup will merely boost an already scary squad. Pochettino's men have fared well in the Argentine's absence, having won all of their first three games. One area of concern is their goal difference, having conceded five goals while scoring a whopping 10 times. In comparison, Nice, who are second in the league, boast a goal difference of +8 while PSG's is +5.

Another point of contention is the availability of Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has long been the star boy at the Parc des Princes but after informing the Parisiens board of his desire to leave the club for Real Madrid, uncertainty has emerged over his role this season.

Pochettino revealed that the 2018 World Cup winner is in the squad for Sunday's game but whether he starts or not might give a huge indication as to what his future entails. Will he remain with the French giants and play alongside Messi and Neymar for, at least, one season? Do not miss this fixture.

As for Reims, the goal of this fixture—while difficult—is simple and that is to pull off an upset against PSG? Easier said than done, right? Regardless, victory is a necessity as the home side have drawn in all of their previous three fixtures, holding Nice, Montpellier, and Metz to stalemates. Óscar García's men have not won a league game since March and will thus give it their all to pull off a memorable triumph.

Team news

Reims: Fraser Hornby, Moussa Doumbia and Anastasios Donis are all sidelined with injuries. Arber Zeneli endured a horrific cruciate ligament rupture and could be out for the entire season but, on the bright side, Ghislain Konan has returned and could feature on Sunday.

PSG: Messi isn't the only player expected to make his first PSG appearance of the season as close friend Neymar is tipped to return to the lineup for this game. Whether they will be joined Mbappe remains unknown but what is clear is that Mauro Icardi is out for this fixture, joining Sergio Ramos and Colin Dagba on the sidelines. Gueye and Kurzawa are doubts.

Key stats

Reims are now winless in their last 11 Ligue 1 games.
Not only are the hosts without a win since March, they've also failed to triumph at home since January.
PSG have scored four goals in three of their last six encounters with Reims.