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At the time Chelsea were seeking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were evaluated. This was an thorough process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally opted for Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s tactical system and priority on possession positioned him as the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s squad of skilled players. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham brought in the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both occupying high-profile roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they shared some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the superior chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more fascinating by the contrasting styles between the tacticians. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more willing to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to unveil an range of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca tends towards dogmatism. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola school; he emphasizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not naturally a defensive side – they are ranked seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their strongest showings have come in games where they have relinquished the control. They were superb 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 performances point to Spurs might sit back when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ return 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 hard game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a absence of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and toils against defensive setups.

The reality is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the visit to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more effective against defensive teams. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment built during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a five-man defense baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics showing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season implies that their fundamental philosophy is being used against them 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 weakness when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The threat is falling into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the anxiety also applies here.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their most impressive performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a positive attribute. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank grant them space? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more cautious. Is a change to a back five possible? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have gotten better at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ history. 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 predictable in from open situations. Their forwards remain unreliable.

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