Carlos Baleba absence explained for Brighton vs Man United

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was a notable absentee from the starting line-up to face Manchester United on the final match of the season.

Baleba - who wanted to join United last summer - has struggled for the most part this campaign but had started the last four Premier League matches.

His absence from the starting XI is a surprise though as fit-again James Milner, 40, starts in his place alongside 34-year-old Pascal Gross.

Fabian Hurzeler clearly feel experience is the way to go for this vital clash, as victory against third-placed United would secure European football next season.

Hurzeler has opted for experience in some of Brighton's most important matches this campaign and today's spine of Lewis Dunk, Milner, Gross and Danny Welbeck reflects just that.

It means Baleba, 22, will be kicking his heels on the bench against a team he was eager to join.

Manchester United tired to sign the Cameroon international late in last summer's transfer window but Brighton's £100m-plus valuation cooled interest and scuppered a move.

Brighton XI

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Milner, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper, Gross, Wieffer, Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Gomez, Welbeck.

Substitutes: Steele, March, Rutter, Minteh, Baleba, Kostoulas, Boscagli, O’Reilly Veltman.

Man United XI

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Mount, Mainoo, Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Cunha, Zirkzee, Malacia, Yoro, Ugarte, Heaven, T Fletcher, Lacey.

How Brighton will line-up

Bart Verbruggen will take his usual place in goal with the returning Mats Wieffer slotting in a right back after ankle issues.

Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke make up the centre back pairing with Brighton player of season Ferdi Kadioglu at left full back.

Gross and Milner will provide an experienced midfield base with England under-21 Jack Hinshelwood operating as the No1 0.

Diego Gomez makes his first start since his knee injury at Tottenham and is on the right wing with Maxim De Cuyper on the left. Winger Yankuba Minteh drops to the bench, while Japan international Kaoru Mitoma remains sidelined with his hamstring injury.

Former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck has 13 Premier League goals this season and leads the line against his former club.