After their midweek defeat in Basel, Manchester United return to Premier League action when they host new boys Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Jose Mourinho’s men need all three points to keep their hopes alive of catching rivals City, with a current eight-point gap separating the two sides.

United will have to make do without Phil Jones and Eric Bailly in defence while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not ready to start. Brighton report no fresh injuries following Monday's draw with Stoke.

What time does it start?

The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 25 November at Old Trafford.

Where can I watch it?

The game isn’t being broadcast on TV but you can follow live updates with the Independent Sport live blog.

It’s a big game for…

Chris Smalling. The 28-year-old recently hit out at Gareth Southgate over his omission from the England squad and backed himself as a ‘top defender’. His performance against Basel suggested otherwise, though, and now he returns to league action against Brighton. If he’s to silence the critics, Smalling will need to step up to the mark and prove his worth.

Smalling will be looking to prove a point (Getty) (Man Utd via Getty Images)

Player to watch…

Paul Pogba. The Frenchman galvanised United on his return to action last week and, for 45 minutes at least, was the side’s best player on Wednesday night in the defeat by Basel. His form and fitness will be vital to United’s title hopes this season and it’s in games such as these where we can expect the youngster to make a difference.

Paul Pogba's influence in the game against Basel faded as the match went on (Getty)

Head to head…

Manchester United 1 Brighton 0, FA Cup, January 1993

Manchester United 1 Brighton 0, League Cup, October 1992

Brighton 1 Manchester United 1, League Cup, September 1992

Form guide…

Manchester United: LWLWWW

Brighton: DWDWDL

Odds…

Manchester United to win: 1/5

Draw: 6/1