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At the time Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were evaluated. It was an comprehensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they eventually selected Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s tactical system 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 bide his time for his next chance. Passed over by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his break came when Tottenham hired the Danish manager after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca meet, both holding high-profile roles. Their relationship is not currently a established rivalry, but they experienced some close matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the better chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more intriguing by the divergent approaches between the managers. Frank is considered a adaptable coach, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to unveil an range of deadly set-piece routines, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola school; he prizes dominance of the ball.

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

Those results suggest Spurs ought to sit back when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The numbers are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a hard game to read. Spurs are five points off the summit and unbeaten 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 complained about a shortage of creativity when the onus 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 doing fine. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Yet, there is room for improvement, 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 furious with Delap, who is banned for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more penetrative against defensive teams. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more consistency is necessary from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Irritation mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a five-man defense confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Data 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 core identity is being weaponised and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a new issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, highlighting a weakness when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The threat is drifting into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, 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 positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are dynamic when they have space to attack.

Will Frank give them space? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more cautious. Is a switch to a back five likely? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive 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 unavailable, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in from open situations. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the ends may justify the method. Spurs fans will not object if a pragmatic approach ends a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s tenure. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.