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At the time Chelsea were looking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were evaluated. This was an extensive process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally chose Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and priority on possession positioned him as the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s squad of skilled players. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Not chosen by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his moment came when Tottenham brought in the Dane after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding prestigious roles. Their relationship is not currently a established rivalry, but they shared some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the superior chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more interesting by the divergent approaches between the tacticians. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to unveil an variety of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he emphasizes 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 naturally a defensively-minded side – they are ranked seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their strongest performances have come in games where they have surrendered the initiative. They were excellent with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an impressive pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances point to Spurs should sit back when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The figures are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their last 18 home fixtures 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 the top and unbeaten 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 doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a shortage of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and toils against defensive setups.

The truth is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

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

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

Irritation built 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 switch to a five-man defense confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Numbers revealing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season indicates that their fundamental philosophy is being exploited 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, highlighting a flaw when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to the limit. The threat is falling into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the worry also is relevant.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their best 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 allow them freedom? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more cautious. Is a shift to a five-man defense on the cards? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily match Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, 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 one-dimensional in from open situations. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the outcome may excuse the approach. Spurs fans will not object if a cautious approach ends a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Success would boost Frank’s reign. How he would love to win this duel with Maresca.