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When Chelsea were looking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were in contention. It was an extensive process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they ultimately chose Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and priority on possession made him the most suitable for Chelsea’s squad of talented individuals. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham appointed the Dane after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they experienced some close matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the superior chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more interesting by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more inclined to be direct, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to deploy an range of deadly set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola school; he emphasizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensive side – they are seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their strongest performances have come in games where they have relinquished the initiative. They were outstanding with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences indicate Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their past seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home outings is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a difficult game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a lack of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and toils against defensive setups.

The reality is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Yet, there is potential for improvement, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s unnecessary red card during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s banishment from the touchline during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the trip to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more incisive against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is necessary from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the campaign, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a back five confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Numbers indicating that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season suggests that their key approach is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, highlighting a vulnerability when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to extremes. The threat is slipping into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their finest performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank give them freedom? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more cautious. Is a switch to a five-man defense likely? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the result may validate the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach breaks a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Success would ignite Frank’s time in charge. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.