West Ham star Declan Rice praises Brighton as "top class"

The Hammers have lost their previous two matches in the Premier League against Wolves and Manchester City.

Albion, however, are winless in their previous nine games in all competitions following their goalless draw against Leeds United on Saturday.

Rice is expecting a tough game from Graham Potter's side and is expecting it to be a difficult match for the Hammers.

West Ham United's Declan Rice during the Premier League match at The London Stadium against Brighton and Hove Albion

Speaking after West Ham's loss to Manchester City on Sunday, Rice said: "I think they're top-class, Brighton.

"You can see the way Graham Potter has them playing, they really pass the ball well with a lot of movement and a lot of forward runs.

"We know what we're up against, and we know it's going to be a tough game."

Albion have a good record against the London side, having not lost to them in the Premier League since promotion. The last time Albion were beaten by the Hammers was 6-0 at Upton Park.

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Rice is now targeting three points against Albion to keep up the Hammer's ambitions of staying in the top four of the Premier League.

The 22-year-old said: "We've had two defeats now and we really need to win the game on Wednesday.

"We're still in the top four, but we don't want to be in the top four because we've won the points before. We want to build on that.

"We've got the squad to and the players to, but we just need to go out there and do it because it's down to us at the end of the day."