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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were in contention. This was an extensive process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they finally selected Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s tactical system and focus on possession rendered him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s team of skilled players. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to remain patient for his next chance. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his break came when Tottenham brought in the Dane after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both holding high-profile roles. Their relationship is not yet a full-fledged rivalry, but they experienced some tight matches 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 decent games, made more intriguing by the tactical differences between the coaches. Frank is more of a practical manager, more willing to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for chances to execute an array of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% this season is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not naturally a defensive side – they are seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their most impressive showings have come in games where they have ceded the possession. They were superb with a defensive setup 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 results point to Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The numbers are concerning. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the worst 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 advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a lack of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is context to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

Yet, there is room for development, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash sending off during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup success against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s banishment from the dugout during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is suspended for the visit to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more penetrative against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Irritation mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss 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 studied his opponent. Data revealing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season implies that their core identity is being used against them and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a recent issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, emphasizing a flaw when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to the limit. The danger is falling into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

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

Will Frank allow them freedom? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more strategic. Is a switch to a back five on the cards? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily match Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in general play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the ends may justify the means. Spurs fans will not object if a cautious approach ends a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. A win would boost Frank’s reign. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.