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When Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were evaluated. This was an extensive process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they eventually opted for Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession positioned him as the most suitable for Chelsea’s squad of skilled players. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to bide his time for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham brought in the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca face each other, both in high-profile roles. Their relationship is not yet a full-blown rivalry, but they shared some hard-fought matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and had the better chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more intriguing by the contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is more of a practical manager, more willing to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to execute an array of clinical set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; he prizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% so far this campaign is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are ranked seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their best showings have come in games where they have relinquished the possession. They were superb with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an impressive counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences indicate Spurs should sit back when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The numbers are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a lack of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The situation is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is background to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

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 win against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s banishment from the touchline during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture 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 consistency is necessary from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Disappointment grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the season, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a back five flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics revealing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season implies that their core identity is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, highlighting a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The threat is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the worry also comes to mind.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their finest performance under the Italian and decisively beat 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 space to attack.

Will Frank grant them freedom? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more strategic. Is a switch to a back five possible? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily match Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a considerable creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

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