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When Chelsea were searching for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were considered. It was an thorough process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they eventually selected Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s structured approach and focus on possession made him the best fit for Chelsea’s squad of skilled players. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to remain patient for his next chance. Passed over by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham appointed the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding major roles. Theirs is not yet a established rivalry, but they experienced some hard-fought encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure 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 intriguing by the contrasting styles between the managers. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more willing to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to deploy an variety of deadly set-piece routines, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach 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 notable that their strongest showings have come in games where they have surrendered the possession. They were superb with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an exceptional counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances suggest Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The statistics are disappointing. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home fixtures is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a absence of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The situation is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is context to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

However, there is potential for improvement, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s unnecessary red card during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win 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 displeased with Delap, who is suspended for the visit to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more incisive against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Irritation built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a five-man defense confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics indicating that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season implies that their fundamental philosophy is being exploited and turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, underscoring a weakness when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The danger is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the anxiety also applies here.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their finest performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a positive attribute. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are pulsating when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them opportunity? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more strategic. Is a change to a back five likely? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in general play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the result may justify the approach. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach ends a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this battle with Maresca.