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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU

Seven questions of loyalty: how to pick your Premier League team

Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Tijjani Reijnders, Midfielder, Manchester City Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

You don’t need to know the history of every club or player to find your way into football. You just need a good story.

The 2026 World Cup was defined by unbelievable human journeys. Lionel Messi extended his record of World Cup games to 34, and almost won Argentina another title. Cape Verde became overnight underdog heroes with a squad built from largely unknown players, including a 40-year-old goalie, Vozinha. And 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda inspired a nation with his incredible life story: fleeing civil war as a refugee to become one of the Socceroos most exciting new talents.

If you’re a new football fan reeling from the sudden end of the World Cup, fear not, because the 2026-27 Premier League season kicks off on 22 August on Stan Sport.

Featuring World Cup stars such as Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), and Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), it’s where the best stories begin every weekend.

No team? No problem. Take our quiz and land a lifetime contract with your new club.

Watch the Premier League on Stan Sport from 22 August.

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