Corner Flag Talk

  SERIE A 20/21 SEASON PREVIEW:   THE SEASON OF STABILITY If it seems as though the Serie A season is back within the blink of an eye, it’s because it definitely is. After 8 weeks of inactivity on the pitch but for some friendlies and training sessions, the boys on the Peninsula are back for another swashbuckling season. It’s inconceivable to think that the status quo of Juventus winning its 9 th Scudetto in a row could be challenged with only 3 weeks of official transfer window activity. However, if the dynamism and unpredictability of this ‘mercato’ is any indicator, we may be in for the most unpredictable Serie A season in recent memory. So naturally, let’s preview what we could expect from this upcoming season.   TABLE PREDICTION – SCUDETTO CHALLENGERS WINNER – INTER MILAN   It could be considered a monumental ‘changing of the guard’, but Inter is primed for a scudetto win. After finishing as 1 point runner ups to eventual winners, Juventus, the Nerazzuri has strengthened their

Arsenal are certainly a team on the up whereas over the last three years Liverpool has asserted themselves as a European powerhouse. It’s therefore only logical that Liverpool dominate this combined xi with no notable areas for concern in their entire side.   Gk Alisson- Indisputably the best keeper in the league and arguably the best in the world. Alisson is everything you want in a modern day keeper, excellent on the ball and as a shot stopper. His inclusion comes as no surprise.   Rb TAA- The rightful winner of the PFA young POTY. A dead ball specialist and consistent threat bombing up and down the right flank. Defensively he is questionable at times but his attacking output consistently overshadows his defensive liabilities.   Cb Virgil Van Dijk- Hasn’t been as dominant since the premier league restarted but is still arguably the best centreback in world football. Dominant in the air, a leader at the back and an overall exceptional defender.   Cb Joe Gomez- Pacy, skillful and aggre

     TTFA vs FIFA: A David vs Goliath Final FIFA has ordered a Normalisation Committee (NC) to run the daily affairs of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). It was a massive story that has been broadcasted around the world, putting Trinidad and Tobago on the map, some may argue for all the wrong reasons. HOW DID THIS KICK OFF? The new TTFA President, William Wallace, had come forward to reveal to FIFA that there were poor financial management methods that were implemented by the former TTFA administration. This had resulted in FIFA invoking their protocols, which involved the creation of a Normalisation Committee headed by Mr Robert Hadad.   The TTFA interpreted this as a foul tactic. The purpose of the NC is to run the daily affairs of the TTFA and to ensure that the association repays the debt, ensures understanding and compliance with FIFA regulations and establishes a new Executive Committee. The failure to abide by these steps could result in the insolvency of the

  As the 2020/21 football season kicks off in Spain, Real Madrid look to defend their title and attempt to go back to back in the league, something they haven’t done since 2006/07 and 2007/08. Let’s get right into the predictions for this season. Starting from the bottom with the three relegation candidates.   Relegation Candidates Relegation is something that must happen to at least 3 clubs every year and as hard as clubs would try, this year Huesca, Cadiz and Eibar.   Both Huesca and Cádiz are newly promoted sides and they will face similar issues this upcoming season, the main one being; the step up to the first division might just prove to be too much for them. While both of the newly promoted teams did make efforts to sign some new players, the pace and standard of football that the first division requires may just prove to be too much for them and they should be heading straight back down to the second division. The third team in that relegation bunch is Eibar while they have bee

  Combined XI Chelsea v Liverpool. This team will include, at the time of writing, all confirmed players of both teams and not the players rumored to be going to either squad. 4-3-3 GK: I think the answer here is pretty obvious with Kepa Arrizabalaga struggling to live up to his record keeper fee of 72 million pounds Alisson, who was the record keeper for just a week, staked his claim as one of the world’s best since signing for the Merseyside club. RB: Even though both right backs are excellent and most likely going to be the core right backs for the foreseeable future in the national team, at this moment I’d go for Trent Alexander Arnold. While I think Reece James is probably overall the more complete of the two Trent’s offensive output is among the world’s best in any position and can’t be ignored. CB: Arguably one of the best center halves in the world Virgil Van Dijk easily takes this spot no explanation needed. CB: In the other spot I’ve gone for the experience of Thiago Silva. E

With the start of the new season, different supporters may have various targets and expectations to get excited about. Some fans may see this season as the one where their team finally challenges for the league, breaks into one of the coveted European positions or simply stays in the Premier league. However, unless you’re a West Ham supporter, there’s one thing all fans collectively look forward to; new signings. Whether it be a world class, international player or an up and coming youth player, all fans genuinely generate a lot of hype and excitement to see if their club’s investment was worthwhile. While the transfer market may have been drastically impacted by the global financial impacts of the novel covid-19 virus, some clubs were still able to flex their financial muscle.   Let’s take a comprehensive look at the signings I believed made the most impact on opening day.   10. MARCAL Club: Wolves Position: Left wingback Transfer fee: £ 2.00 mil The 31 year old Brazilian fullback had