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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were evaluated. This was an extensive process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they eventually chose Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and focus on possession made him the best fit for Chelsea’s team of technicians. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to remain patient for his next opportunity. Not chosen by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham brought in the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both in high-profile roles. Theirs is not yet a established rivalry, but they experienced some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the more clear-cut chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more fascinating by the tactical differences between the tacticians. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for chances to deploy an array of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards dogmatism. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he emphasizes control of the ball.

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

Those experiences suggest Spurs should play on the counter when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their last seven home league games. The numbers are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a difficult game to predict. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a shortage of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and struggles against defensive setups.

The situation is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is context to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is suspended for the visit to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more incisive against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is necessary from Chelsea’s young wingers.

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

This is not a recent issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, emphasizing a vulnerability when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The threat is drifting into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the anxiety also is relevant.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their best performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a positive attribute. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are exciting when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them freedom? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be smarter. Is a switch to a back five possible? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily align with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a heavy creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the result may validate the approach. Spurs fans will not complain if a pragmatic approach breaks a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. A win would energize Frank’s tenure. How he would love to win this duel with Maresca.