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At the time Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were considered. It was an comprehensive process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they ultimately selected Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s structured approach and priority on possession made him the most suitable for Chelsea’s team of skilled players. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to remain patient for his next opportunity. Overlooked by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham hired the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding major roles. Their relationship is not currently a full-blown rivalry, but they shared some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more interesting by the contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is considered a practical manager, more willing to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to unveil an array of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards dogmatism. 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 exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their most impressive performances have come in games where they have relinquished the initiative. They were superb with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an exceptional counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results point to Spurs might sit back when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The figures are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home outings is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a tricky game to call. Spurs are five points off first place and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The situation is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is context to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

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

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is banned for the visit to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more incisive against defensive teams. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more consistency is needed from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Irritation mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a back five confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Numbers revealing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season suggests that their key approach is being exploited and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, emphasizing a flaw when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The risk is drifting into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the anxiety also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth remembering 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. Adaptability is a strength. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are exciting when they have room to attack.

Will Frank give them space? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more strategic. Is a shift to a five-man defense on the cards? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in open play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the ends may excuse the approach. Spurs fans will not object if a pragmatic approach breaks a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. A win would energize Frank’s tenure. How he would cherish to win this contest with Maresca.