The battle for the Premier League title continues this weekend with league leaders Chelsea hosting third-placed Manchester United, and several of the sides at the bottom battling to avoid the drop.

Not every team is in action this weekend, with the FA Cup semi-finals also taking place, so it is a chance for some teams to close gaps or put more distance between themselves and those around them in the table.

Sports Mole picks out some of the people that will be in the spotlight this weekend.

1. Manuel Pellegrini

The defending Premier League champions have suffered back-to-back defeats in the league, dropping Manchester City back to fourth, 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea.

Manuel Pellegrini had already been thought to be under pressure with the team adrift in the title race, with no chance of any other silverware this season following exits from the FA Cup and Champions League.

Following news that Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp will be available this summer, Pellegrini could be under even more pressure to prove that he is the right man for the job at the Etihad, particularly as predecessor Roberto Mancini was dismissed following a trophiless season just one year after winning the league title.

City, who will be keen to put their 4-2 defeat to neighbours Manchester United behind them, host a West Ham United side that also have a manager under pressure while fighting for a place in the top half of the table.

Victory this weekend could close the gap to third place, while also increasing their hold on fourth in the table over fifth-placed Liverpool, who are just four points adrift of the final Champions League spot but not in league action this weekend.

2. Eden Hazard

Chelsea face a crucial couple of weeks in the title race with matches against Manchester United and Arsenal in their next couple of outings, and they will be hoping that Eden Hazard is on top form.

The Belgian has been crucial to the club's hold on top spot throughout the campaign, resulting in nominations for the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

Hazard's recent performances have earned him plaudits from manager Jose Mourinho, who has often complained about the number of times the midfielder has been fouled this season, although he has refused to rule out a potential move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

Hazard has been in superb form in front of goal recently, scoring four goals in his last six appearances for the Blues, which is something Chelsea will be looking for him to continue as they close in on the title, particularly in their meeting with Louis van Gaal's in-form United side on Saturday.

3. Romelu Lukaku

After several weeks out with a hamstring injury, Romelu Lukaku is expected to return to Everton's squad this weekend for their match against Burnley at Goodison Park.

The Toffees have not lost during the Belgian's absence, but they have struggled to score goals, making his return vital as they try to move into the top half of the table in the final weeks of the season.

Before sustaining his injury in the team's win over Queens Park Rangers last month, Lukaku had been on a roll, scoring three goals in as many appearances for Roberto Martinez's side, so it will be interesting to see whether he is still as sharp in front of goal after almost four weeks out.

During his spell on the sidelines, Lukaku's new agent Mino Raiola made some headline-grabbing comments, claiming that the striker would never have moved to Everton had he been representing the Belgian at the time of his move.

Lukaku will surely be keen to put in a solid performance in front of the home supporters to remove any concerns they have over the club's record signing's dedication to the team.