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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were evaluated. This was an comprehensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately selected 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 performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to wait for his next opportunity. Passed over by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham brought in the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they had some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure 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 contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more willing to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to deploy an range of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensive side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their best displays 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, executed an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences point to Spurs ought to sit back when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their last seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home fixtures is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a difficult game to read. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions 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 complained about a lack of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, lack of discipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is background to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A interrupted pre-season, due to the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Still, there is potential for improvement, 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 dismissal from the technical area during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more reliability is needed from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Irritation built 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 studied his opponent. Data showing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season suggests that their core identity is being weaponised and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, underscoring a flaw when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The risk is drifting into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also applies here.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a positive attribute. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are exciting when they have room to attack.

Will Frank give them space? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a switch to a five-man defense possible? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

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

But this is one game where the ends may validate the approach. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach breaks a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Success would boost Frank’s reign. How he would cherish to win this battle with Maresca.