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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were in contention. It was an extensive process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately chose Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s positional game and emphasis on possession made him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s squad of technicians. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham hired the Danish manager after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca meet, both holding prestigious roles. Their relationship is not yet a full-blown rivalry, but they had some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky 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 interesting by the tactical differences between the tacticians. Frank is considered a adaptable coach, more willing to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to unveil an array of effective set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca leans towards dogmatism. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he emphasizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% so far this campaign is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are ranked seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their strongest showings have come in games where they have surrendered the initiative. They were superb with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an exceptional counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results point to Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their last seven home league games. The figures are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home outings is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a difficult game to read. Spurs are five points off first place and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a lack of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, 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 context to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Yet, 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 red card in nine games, including Maresca’s removal from the touchline during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is suspended for the trip to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more incisive against low blocks. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a back five baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Statistics showing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season implies that their key approach is being weaponised and turned on them.

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, emphasizing a vulnerability when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to the limit. The threat 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 comes to mind.

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

Will Frank grant them space? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be smarter. Is a switch to a five-man defense likely? Chelsea have allowed goals 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 attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable 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 defensive approach breaks a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Success would boost Frank’s tenure. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.