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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were evaluated. This was an comprehensive process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally chose Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s structured approach and focus on possession made him the most suitable for Chelsea’s roster of talented individuals. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to wait for his next opportunity. Not chosen by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham hired the Danish manager after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca meet, both holding high-profile roles. Their relationship is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they shared some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the better chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more intriguing by the tactical differences between the coaches. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to execute an variety of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards ideological rigidity. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola school; he emphasizes 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 ranked seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their most impressive performances have come in games where they have relinquished the initiative. They were excellent with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an impressive counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances indicate Spurs might sit back when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their last seven home league games. The statistics are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their last 18 home outings is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a tricky game to call. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and toils against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

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

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

Disappointment mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the season, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a five-man defense baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Numbers revealing that it is one win 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 turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, highlighting a vulnerability when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The risk is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the anxiety also applies here.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their most impressive performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a strength. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have room to attack.

Will Frank grant them opportunity? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s adventurous 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 observe that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a significant creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in general play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the result may excuse the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a defensive approach breaks a four-game losing run against Chelsea. A win would boost Frank’s reign. How he would love to win this battle with Maresca.