Brighton secured their European place yesterday with a 3-1 win over Southampton, but there is still plenty to play for.

The Seagulls still have to host Manchester City and travel to fellow European hopefuls Aston Villa. Heading into those games Albion know they can finish no lower than seventh, but still need a point to guarantee they will be playing the Europa League and not the Conference League next season.

Manager Robert De Zerbi speaking during their lap of appreciation to the fans after the win over Southampton, was adamant that they want to be playing in the Europa League.

He said: “We need another point to play in the Europa League because we want to play in the Europa League and not in the Conference.”

A point would also secure a sixth place finish for the Seagulls because it would then be mathematically impossible for Villa to overhaul them, as they would be four points behind.

However knowing the winning mentality De Zerbi has blooded into his squad they will keep going and aim to finish fifth until it is mathematically impossible.

Albion are five points behind Liverpool with a game in hand meaning they would need to win their remaining two matches against City and Villa, then hope that Liverpool lose at Southampton, as given their goal difference is eight better than Brighton’s a point would be enough for the Reds to finish ahead on goal difference.

City will be one of Albion’s toughest tests at the Amex this season.

Pep Guardiola’s side have only lost twice on their travels this season (against Liverpool in October and to Manchester United in January). They also have the best defence in the league, conceding 31 goals in their 36 games so far.

But with the title wrapped up and their quest for a treble still on course with an FA Cup and Champions League final coming up next month, City’s priority will be keeping their big guns fit for the final.

Yesterday in their 1-0 win over Chelsea at The Etihad, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Ilkay Gundogen , John Stones and Jack Grealish started on the bench.

They all only played 15 minutes or so, which means that they could well start against the Seagulls on Wednesday night.

Guardiola has praised Albion highly saying ‘they are one of the best sides in the world at building up from the back’.

That is very high praise from one of the most successful managers of this generation.

However, whatever happens Wednesday night it will be a highly entertaining game and one that will be a joy to watch for neutrals.