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When Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were considered. It was an thorough process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally selected Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s structured approach and focus on possession rendered him the best fit for Chelsea’s team of skilled players. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to wait for his next chance. Not chosen by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both occupying major roles. Theirs is not yet a established rivalry, but they had some close encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure 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 intriguing by the tactical differences between the coaches. Frank is considered a adaptable coach, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to deploy an range of clinical set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca veers towards dogmatism. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola school; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% so far this campaign is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not naturally a defensive side – they are ranked seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their strongest performances have come in games where they have ceded the possession. They were outstanding with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an outstanding counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences indicate Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their past seven home league games. The numbers are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home fixtures is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a difficult game to call. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to 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 lack of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and struggles against defensive setups.

The reality is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, due to the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Yet, there is scope for progress, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win 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 thinking about how to make his team more incisive against low blocks. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more steadiness is necessary from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Frustration mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a back five flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Numbers revealing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season indicates that their key approach is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, emphasizing a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to the limit. The risk is slipping into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, 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. Adaptability is a advantage. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are pulsating when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them freedom? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more strategic. Is a change to a back five possible? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have gotten better at attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily align with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a significant creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in from open situations. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the outcome may validate the method. Spurs fans will not object if a cautious approach breaks a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. A win would boost Frank’s time in charge. How he would love to win this duel with Maresca.