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At the time Chelsea were searching for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were in contention. This was an extensive process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they eventually selected Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s tactical system and focus on possession rendered him the best fit for Chelsea’s squad of talented individuals. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his moment came when Tottenham hired the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca face each other, both occupying major roles. Their relationship is not currently a established rivalry, but they shared some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the better chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more interesting by the tactical differences between the coaches. Frank is considered a practical manager, more willing to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to unveil an range of clinical set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he values dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their best showings have come in games where they have ceded the control. They were superb with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances point to Spurs ought to sit back when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their past seven home league games. The statistics are concerning. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their last 18 home matches is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a tricky game to call. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a absence of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The truth is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Still, there is scope for progress, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s unnecessary dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup success against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s removal from the dugout during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is banned for the trip to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is needed from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Irritation built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a back five flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Data indicating that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season implies that their key approach is being exploited and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a new issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, underscoring a flaw when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to the limit. The risk is falling into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also applies here.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a positive attribute. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are exciting when they have room to attack.

Will Frank grant them opportunity? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more strategic. Is a shift to a five-man defense likely? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a heavy creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the result may justify the method. Spurs fans will not object if a defensive approach halts a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Success would boost Frank’s tenure. How he would cherish to win this battle with Maresca.