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When Chelsea were seeking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were considered. This was an thorough process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally selected Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s positional game and focus on possession positioned him as the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s roster of skilled players. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Not chosen by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham hired the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding prestigious roles. Their relationship is not currently a established rivalry, but they shared some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and created the better chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more intriguing by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is considered a practical manager, more likely to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to execute an variety of clinical set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% this season is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their strongest displays have come in games where they have surrendered the control. They were superb with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an outstanding counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results indicate Spurs might sit back when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their past seven home league games. The statistics are disappointing. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home fixtures is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight during 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. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a shortage of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The truth is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Yet, there is scope for development, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory 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 furious with Delap, who is banned for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against defensive teams. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more reliability is necessary from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Frustration grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a five-man defense confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics 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 core identity is being exploited and turned on them.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories 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 the limit. The threat is drifting into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the fear also applies here.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their best performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are pulsating when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them space? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more strategic. Is a change to a back five on the cards? 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 match Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a considerable creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the ends may excuse the method. Spurs fans will not object if a defensive approach halts a four-game losing run against Chelsea. A win would energize Frank’s tenure. How he would relish to win this duel with Maresca.