Erling Haaland Ahead of West Ham: Fitness Concerns Over the Goal Machine, New Nike Boots and His Own Drink

There's one question doing the rounds before every Manchester City game: Is Erling Haaland fit? This time, ahead of the massive away clash at West Ham United, a second one comes with it: Will the Norwegian finally rediscover his goal-scoring touch? His last few outings haven't exactly been what you'd expect from a machine like him. No need for panic in Manchester, but you can sense a slight shift in the mood.

Guardiola: "Of course he needs goals"

Pep Guardiola, his manager, had that familiar smirk on his face during the press conference, the one he gets when he's not giving everything away. But he did throw us a few crumbs. "He's fine. A bit of an issue with his groin, it niggles sometimes, but he's an animal," the Catalan said. And then came the line that makes every City fan prick up their ears: "Of course he needs goals. Strikers live for them. And I sense he desperately wants them." No surprise with a player like Haaland. The lad lives for the ball, for the back of the net bulging.

One thing's for sure, they'll need him against West Ham. The Hammers are a tough opponent, especially at their place. No point in pretty passing there, you just need to put the ball in the net. And that's exactly why City brought the boy in. I'm telling you: if he's on the pitch, he'll have that tunnel vision – and all he'll see is the goal.

What's Haaland wearing this time? The new Nike Phantom GX II

For the kit enthusiasts among you: if you look closely, you'll see Haaland is now lacing up the Nike Phantom GX II Elite FG boots. These boots are made for him – they give you that feeling of control when you really leather it. No frills, just pure power on the ball. They're a limited edition, of course, but if you're watching him on Saturday, keep an eye on the boots. It's top-tier football boot craftsmanship, specially designed for lads like him who want to smash the ball into the net.

More Than Just a Player: Haaland the Drinks Entrepreneur

Speaking of limited edition: if you're interested in more than just his goals, you'll know Haaland is a brand in himself by now. His Prime Hydration Drink – everyone who's ever stood in front of a supermarket shelf knows it by now. Now there's the Prime Erling Haaland Limited Edition Hydration Drink 500ml including Steam-Time ThankYou. It sounds like a load of marketing fluff at first, but these things are flying off the shelves. My nephew got his hands on a bottle, and it's sitting at home like a little trophy. 500ml of pure Haaland, so to speak. The limited edition sells out in no time, so if you want one, you'll need to be quick. Or you could just hope Haaland puts in such a shift against West Ham that you're parched – then just drink tap water and enjoy the goals.

Haaland's Background: The Lad from the North

You know what's special about him? His background. Born in Leeds, raised in Norway, the son of Alf-Inge, who was a pro himself. That shapes you. He's got this mix of a British fighting spirit and Norwegian calmness. On the pitch, he's explosive; off it, he's almost shy. But when it comes to his career, he's ruthlessly professional. The partnership with Prime, the new Nike boots – it's all carefully thought out. He knows his time on the pitch is limited, and he's making the most of it.

• Haaland's season stats: 27 Premier League goals so far – despite minor injury lay-offs.
• New boots: The Nike Phantom GX II Elite FG – for maximum power and precision.
• Limited edition drink: Prime Hydration with Haaland logo – including "Steam-Time ThankYou" gimmick. A collector's item!

My West Ham Prediction

Right, I'm going to stick my neck out: West Ham are awkward opponents, but if Haaland is on the pitch for even 70 minutes, he'll score at least one. That edge he's got now, because he hasn't scored in a few games – he'll channel that into the first shot that comes his way. And then it's in the back of the net. So keep your eyes peeled, not just for the goals, but for the boots and maybe the odd drinks bottle he takes off with after the game. A player like Haaland lives and breathes football, pure and simple.