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At the time Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were considered. It was an extensive process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they finally selected Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession rendered him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s roster of technicians. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his break came when Tottenham appointed the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca meet, both occupying high-profile roles. Theirs is not yet a established rivalry, but they experienced some tight duels 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 engaging games, made more interesting by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is more of a practical manager, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for chances to execute an array of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he emphasizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% so far this campaign is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not naturally a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their best showings have come in games where they have surrendered the possession. They were excellent 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 indicate Spurs might sit back when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their last seven home league games. The figures are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a hard game to predict. Spurs are five points off the summit and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached 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 shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, lack of discipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The situation is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A disrupted pre-season, due to the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Yet, there is scope for progress, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash 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 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 effective against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Irritation mounted 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 adjustment to a five-man defense flummoxed 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 highest this season indicates that their core identity is being used against them and turned on them.

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, underscoring a flaw when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The risk is drifting into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the anxiety also applies here.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their most impressive 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 room to attack.

Will Frank give them space? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more cautious. Is a switch to a five-man defense on the cards? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have gotten better at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily align with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a considerable creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in general play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the result may justify the method. Spurs fans will not mind if a cautious approach ends a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s tenure. How he would relish to win this contest with Maresca.