Charlie Nicholas has predicted a defeat for West Ham in Monday’s game at Aston Villa and suggested that Declan Rice is overrated.
Rice, who featured in England’s two recent games, has been widely touted for a future move to a top Premier League club.
But pundit Nicholas is less impressed with the youngster, who has faced some criticism for his performances in an England shirt.
In his predictions for Sky Sports, Nicholas predicted a 2-1 win for Villa.
And the former Arsenal striker said: “People are far too excited about Declan Rice, with lots of mistakes and clumsiness there, as is the predictability with West Ham. They do look to have found a man with goals in Sebastian Haller, who poses a physical presence too.
“Aston Villa have improved, but if they are playing at home, they need Jack Grealish to play 10-15 yards higher up the pitch, I keep saying it. He is a pass master but you want it in the opposition half and not near or on the halfway line. The combination of him and John McGinn is difficult for anyone to control. I like Wesley up front and I like what Villa have at the moment.”