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When Chelsea were looking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were in contention. It was an comprehensive process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they ultimately chose Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s tactical system and emphasis on possession made him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s roster of skilled players. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to bide his time for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Their relationship is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they had some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more interesting by the contrasting styles between the tacticians. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more willing to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to execute an range of deadly set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans 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 topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensive side – they are ranked seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their strongest displays have come in games where they have relinquished the possession. They were outstanding with a defensive setup 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 point to Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The numbers are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

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

The truth is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A interrupted pre-season, due to the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is banned for the visit to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more penetrative against low blocks. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a back five baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Statistics indicating that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season suggests that their core identity is being weaponised and used to their disadvantage.

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, highlighting a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to the limit. The risk is slipping into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the worry also is relevant.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their best performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a positive attribute. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are pulsating when they have space to attack.

Will Frank give them freedom? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more cautious. Is a change to a back five likely? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

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

But this is one game where the ends may justify the method. Spurs fans will not complain if a cautious approach breaks a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Success would boost Frank’s tenure. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.