This weekend, Erling Haaland sets his sights on Manchester United as Manchester City welcomes their city rivals for a crucial clash that could define their season. The reigning Premier League champs, led by Pep Guardiola and aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, have dominated recent derbies and know there's no room for error in the fierce race for the top spot.

While Liverpool, despite their injury setbacks, are expected to handle Nottingham Forest with ease, Arsenal's high-octane offense prepares to take on a Sheffield United side fighting to avoid the drop.

Let's dive into three hot topics ahead of the weekend matches.

Haaland's on fire, and Rashford's feeling the heat

The upcoming Manchester derby was gearing up to be a thrilling showdown between Haaland and Rasmus Hojlund, but with Hojlund sidelined by an injury, all eyes are on Haaland. The Norwegian sensation has been on a tear, bagging five goals in the recent 6-2 FA Cup thrashing of Luton, bringing his impressive season total to 27 goals in 30 games, even after a two-month injury break.

Contrast that with Marcus Rashford's struggle to find the net, with only five goals to his name, and United's attack seems to lack edge, especially with Hojlund likely out this Sunday.

Guardiola has cautioned that the United match will be a different ball game compared to the Luton rout. However, history tells us that the derby has tilted in City's favor lately, with five wins out of the last six encounters, notching up 18 goals against United.

Haaland, with a knack for shining in these derbies, including a hat-trick at the Etihad last season, has tallied five goals in his four games against United.

With Liverpool, Newcastle, and Arsenal lined up after the United clash, Guardiola's squad looks poised to take on anyone with Haaland in scorching form.