Roberto De Zerbi believes Brighton deserve a European place

Roberto De Zerbi hopes to guide Brighton to a third successive home win (Mike Egerton/PA)

Roberto De Zerbi believes Brighton fully merit a place in Europe next season as they prepare to continue their quest with a “tough, tough game” against relegation-threatened Everton.

Memorable back-to-back Premier League victories over Wolves and Manchester United have boosted the south-coast club’s bid to qualify for a maiden continental campaign.