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At the time Chelsea were seeking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were considered. This was an extensive process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately chose Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession positioned him as the most suitable for Chelsea’s squad of talented individuals. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to bide his time for his next chance. Not chosen by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham hired the Dane after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca face each other, both holding prestigious roles. Theirs is not yet a established rivalry, but they had some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the superior chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more interesting by the divergent approaches between the managers. Frank is considered a adaptable coach, more inclined to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to deploy an variety of deadly set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their most impressive showings have come in games where they have ceded the initiative. They were superb with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an impressive counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences indicate Spurs might sit back when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their last seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home fixtures is the poorest 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 unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a absence of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The truth is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is banned for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against defensive teams. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more consistency is needed from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment built 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 adjustment to a five-man defense 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 highest this season implies that their fundamental philosophy is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a recent issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, emphasizing a vulnerability when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to the limit. The danger is drifting into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the worry also applies here.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their best performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a advantage. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are dynamic when they have space to attack.

Will Frank grant them freedom? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a change to a back five on the cards? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a significant creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the ends may validate the method. Spurs fans will not object if a defensive approach ends a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Success would energize Frank’s tenure. How he would relish to win this duel with Maresca.