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At the time Chelsea were searching for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were in contention. It was an comprehensive process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they eventually selected Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession rendered him the best fit for Chelsea’s roster of skilled players. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to wait for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham hired the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca face each other, both holding prestigious roles. Theirs is not currently a full-blown rivalry, but they shared some close encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had 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 managers. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more willing to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to unveil an range of deadly set-piece plays, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he emphasizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% this season is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their most impressive performances have come in games where they have relinquished the control. They were outstanding with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an exceptional pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results point to Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their last seven home league games. The numbers are disappointing. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home outings is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a hard game to predict. Spurs are five points off first place and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a lack of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The situation 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 been costly. A disrupted pre-season, resulting from the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is banned for the visit to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is necessary from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Disappointment mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the campaign, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a back five confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Statistics revealing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season indicates that their core identity is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, highlighting a weakness when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to extremes. The danger is slipping into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their finest performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a advantage. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have room to attack.

Will Frank grant them opportunity? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s adventurous 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 gotten better at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily match Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a heavy creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the result may justify the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a cautious approach halts a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this battle with Maresca.