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Wayne Rooney, Granit Xhaka, Sergio Aguero make Charlie Nicholas' Sky Sports Fantasy Football XI

Charlie Nicholas
Image: Charlie Nicholas names his Sky Sports Fantasy Football XI

In part one of our Sky Sports pundits' XI reveal, Charlie Nicholas talks us through his Sky Sports Fantasy Football team.

The Arsenal legend has included three players from his former club - Petr Cech, Mesut Ozil and summer signing Granit Xhaka - but has made Sergio Aguero captain for the opening weekend as Manchester City host Sunderland.

Sky Sports Fantasy Football
Sky Sports Fantasy Football

Who makes your XI? Pick a team, set up a league and let the mind games begin!

Here, Charlie talks us through his selections...

Petr Cech (£7.5m) - The clean sheet king, enough said! With his CV and then quitting international football, I think he'll have a massive season for Arsenal.

Christian Fuchs (£7.8m) - I really did enjoy his attacking philosophy and his no-holds barred attitude. Hopefully he will nick a goal or two for me as well.

Virgil van Dijk (£8.1m) - Speaking of scoring goals, this man certainly can do that. I want goalscorers in my team. He did it in Scotland and continued to deliver in an impressive first season at Southampton.

Virgil van Dijk of Southampton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between
Image: Virgil van Dijk scored three times in his debut Southampton season

Lamine Kone (£6.7m) - Again, I always try to pick defenders who will nick a goal or two and I think he'll be a threat under David Moyes. However, he is my biggest concern in terms of discipline.

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Matt Phillips (£7.6m) - I've got to have a fellow Scot in my team and he more than justifies his place with goals and assists in his locker, while he also balances the books at such a modest price.

Mesut Ozil (£11.6m) - The king of assists. He should score more goals but I am a massive fan of his and I think if Arsenal sign a striker then he could pick up even more points. He's a must for me.

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park on March 19, 2016
Image: Mesut Ozil provided 19 assists for Arsenal last season

Gerard Deulofeu (£8.1m) - This lad excited us and then got dropped quite quickly by Roberto Martinez, but I think Ronald Koeman will love him. If Koeman wants to make Everton a real attacking force then Deulofeu should be central to his plans.

Granit Xhaka (£8.9m) - I think he's tailor-made for Arsenal. They might play with two holding players and he'll be able to get forward. I can see him being a bit like Aaron Ramsey, with Ozil looking for his runs.

Sergio Aguero (£13m) - I just think the way City will line up under Pep Guardiola works perfectly for Aguero. He's at his best with David Silva and De Bruyne near him and he's another certainty for me.

Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Stoke
Image: Sergio Aguero scored 24 goals from 29 starts

Wayne Rooney (£11m) - I'm giving him a show of faith. Jose Mourinho has said everything I agree with. Forget midfield, he can play that role well but not great, and he's at his best when he's attacking and aggressive. I think he'll slot into that No 9 position just off Zlatan Ibrahimovic and I am expecting quite a few goals.

Benik Afobe (£9.3m) - I've always liked this lad. His movement is excellent and Bournemouth's style suits him. I admit it's a budget calculation and I'm hoping he'll start the season sharp.

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Take on Charlie

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