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When Chelsea were seeking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were considered. It was an extensive process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally opted for Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s tactical system and focus on possession made him the best fit for Chelsea’s roster of technicians. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to wait for his next chance. Overlooked by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his moment came when Tottenham hired the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Theirs is not currently a full-blown rivalry, but they had some close duels 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 tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more fascinating by the tactical differences between the coaches. Frank is considered a adaptable coach, more willing to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to unveil an array of deadly set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca veers towards dogmatism. 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 adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their best showings have come in games where they have relinquished the initiative. They were outstanding with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an exceptional pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results point to Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their last seven home league games. The statistics are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a difficult game to call. Spurs are five points off the top and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a absence of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The situation is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, resulting from the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Still, there is scope for progress, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s unnecessary 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 dugout during the win over Liverpool.

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

Disappointment built 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 adjustment to a five-man defense baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Statistics indicating that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season indicates that their key approach 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, emphasizing a flaw when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The threat is slipping into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the worry also applies here.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth noting 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 several fast attackers and are pulsating when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them opportunity? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more strategic. Is a shift 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 long-ball oriented does not necessarily align with Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a heavy creative responsibility 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 justify the method. Spurs fans will not object if a pragmatic approach halts a four-game losing run against Chelsea. A win would boost Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this contest with Maresca.