The footballing dynamic has altered drastically in Manchester over the past five years. While Manchester United have always boasted a luxury of riches, City's takeover has propelled them into consistent Premier League contention. This new challenge to United's domestic hegemony has been welcomed by neutrals who confidently boast that the Premier League is the most competitive in the world. In recent years the Manchester derby has taken on greater importance. For the first time both sides are serious title contenders. Many United fans will now tell you that these are the games they want to win as opposed to the games against Liverpool. Both sets of fans go into the game fearing defeat, especially now that silverware is at stake. The two sides would probably admit that they have had stuttering starts to the campaign compared to their usual standards. Yet as is the case with all derbies; form goes out of the window. With two new managers in the dugouts for this season's first edition of the Manchester derby, and with new signings still bedding their ways into their respective clubs, this article will highlight a series of key tactical decisions and on-pitch battles that could determine who goes home with the spoils on derby day.