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When Chelsea were seeking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were evaluated. It was an extensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they eventually opted for Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s tactical system and focus on possession made him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s roster of technicians. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Not chosen by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his moment came when Tottenham brought in the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding prestigious roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they had some hard-fought duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more intriguing by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more willing to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to execute an array of clinical set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics 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 excellent 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 overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances suggest Spurs ought to sit back when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their last seven home league games. The numbers are concerning. 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 tricky game to read. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a lack of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and toils against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is context to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, due to the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

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

Irritation mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum 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. Numbers showing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season indicates that their key approach is being used against them and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a new issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, underscoring a flaw when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The risk is slipping into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the fear also comes to mind.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank give them freedom? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more cautious. Is a change to a back five possible? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have gotten better at attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

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

But this is one game where the ends may validate the approach. Spurs fans will not mind if a cautious approach ends a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Success would boost Frank’s reign. How he would cherish to win this contest with Maresca.