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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were evaluated. It was an thorough process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately opted for Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession positioned him as the most suitable for Chelsea’s roster of technicians. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to bide his time for his big break. Not chosen by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham appointed the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Their relationship is not currently a established rivalry, but they shared some hard-fought duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more fascinating by the tactical differences between the tacticians. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more inclined to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to unveil an range of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he prizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s 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 displays have come in games where they have surrendered the initiative. They were superb with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an exceptional pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences suggest Spurs ought to play on the counter when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their last seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their last 18 home outings is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a lack of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and toils against low blocks.

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

Yet, there is scope for improvement, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash red card during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup success against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s removal from the technical area during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is suspended for the visit 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 wide players.

Frustration mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a back five baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Data revealing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season implies that their key approach is being used against them 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 the limit. The threat is slipping into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their most impressive performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a positive attribute. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have space to attack.

Will Frank grant them space? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more cautious. Is a change to a back five likely? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily align with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a heavy creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the result may justify the approach. Spurs fans will not complain if a defensive approach halts a four-game losing run against Chelsea. A win would boost Frank’s tenure. How he would relish to win this battle with Maresca.