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When Chelsea were looking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were evaluated. This was an thorough process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they eventually selected Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and focus on possession rendered him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s squad of skilled players. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to remain patient for his next opportunity. Not chosen by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his moment came when Tottenham hired the Dane after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca face each other, both holding major roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they experienced some hard-fought encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more fascinating by the contrasting styles between the managers. Frank is more of a practical manager, more willing to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to deploy an range of effective set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; he prizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensively-minded side – they are ranked seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their strongest performances have come in games where they have ceded the initiative. They were excellent with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances suggest Spurs might sit back when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The statistics are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight during that timeframe.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a shortage of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and struggles 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 background to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, due to the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

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

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is suspended for the trip to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more effective against defensive teams. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more consistency is necessary from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Irritation grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat 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 prepared well. Numbers showing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum 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, underscoring a weakness when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The risk is falling into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the worry also applies here.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a advantage. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are pulsating when they have space to attack.

Will Frank give them freedom? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be smarter. Is a change to a five-man defense on the cards? Chelsea have conceded 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 long-ball oriented does not necessarily match Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

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