Paris (AFP)

Disappointing in Bruges (1-1), Paris Saint-Germain will test its collective problems in another high-stake match, against Lyon, Sunday (8:45 p.m.) for the premiere of Lionel Messi at the Parc des Princes in front of his audience.

From an accounting point of view, all is well.

Before the shock of the 6th day of Ligue 1, PSG is firmly established on the throne of France with five victories and 16 goals scored.

Lyon, one of its main competitors, is already seven points behind.

But OL have perfectly succeeded in their European comeback by dominating the Rangers in Glasgow (2-0), Thursday in the Europa League, the day after the sluggish draw of the Parisians, jostled in the Champions League.

The so famous Messi-Neymar-Mbappé triplet, eagerly awaited, very observed, did not make sparks, and the critics have rocketed.

But the "MNM" is unlikely to further explore its infinite possibilities on Sunday, because Kylian Mbappé is uncertain, after hurting his foot in Flanders.

The trio could find themselves a duo: Messi and "Ney" will have the opportunity to rekindle their bond of the Barcelona years (2013-2017).

Together, they won the C1 in 2015.

The connection went through well in Bruges, Messi found 14 times the Brazilian, who in turn passed him 16 balls, according to statistics provided by UEFA.

It is in particular on a shift of its accomplice that the "Pulga" was able to strike on the bar.

The links with Mbappé, who only played 50 minutes, were much more tenuous.

"Kyky" and Messi have, in all and for everything, exchanged three balls, Mbappé and Neymar six.

The N.30 will have to show more, for its first in front of its new audience, after 30 minutes in Reims and 90 in Bruges.

- Without Verratti -

But it's not just the "MNM" at PSG.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino repeats often enough that he has "a squad of 35 players".

"The players are all stars for me. Certainly, some will play more than others, but the most important star is the club," added the Argentine.

Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate the goal of their teammate Ander Herrera during the Champions League match against Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, September 15, 2021 KENZO TRIBOUILLARD AFP / Archives

"We must not only see the names, insists Pochettino. Everyone needs a structure, an organization, it is our main challenge. It is a team sport".

Against Lyon, who beat him last year at the Parc (1-0) in December, PSG must therefore show that they are progressing collectively.

But he is running out of time, especially since he entered the period of a match every three days, which will culminate on September 28 with the reception of Manchester City, for the second day of C1.

Georginio Wijnaldum has been disappointing since the start of the season.

"He's coming back from the Dutch selection, he had an ankle problem that prevented him from being at the level we expect," admits Pochettino, who released him at half-time in Bruges.

As Marco Verratti is still on the sidelines due to a recalcitrant knee, "Poche" could again align Ander Herrera, in great shape, author in Belgium of his fourth goal in his last four matches.

The Senegalese Idrissa Gueye, he returns from European suspension and should bring his enthusiasm to counter the Lyonnais.

Peter Bosz's players are doing better and appear to be on the path of the Dutch coach's possession game.

Finally launched after his first two victories in Ligue 1, chained with success at Ibrox Park, OL do not come to promote the integration of Messi ...

© 2021 AFP