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At the time Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were considered. This was an thorough process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally chose Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s positional game and priority on possession rendered him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s team of talented individuals. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham brought in the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both occupying high-profile roles. Their relationship is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they had some close encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and had the superior chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more intriguing by the tactical differences between the coaches. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more willing to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to unveil an array of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; he values control of the ball.

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

Those experiences point to Spurs should play on the counter when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The figures are awful. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a hard game to predict. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a lack of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is background to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, due to the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

Still, there is potential for improvement, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous 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 banned for the trip to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young wingers.

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 switch to a back five flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics showing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season indicates that their fundamental philosophy is being exploited and turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, underscoring a flaw when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The risk is drifting into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the anxiety also applies here.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are dynamic when they have space to attack.

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

Being so straightforward does not necessarily match Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in from open situations. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the ends may justify the method. Spurs fans will not complain if a defensive approach ends a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Success would energize Frank’s reign. How he would love to win this duel with Maresca.