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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were evaluated. This was an comprehensive process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they eventually opted for Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s positional game and priority on possession made him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s squad of talented individuals. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his next chance. Not chosen by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his break arrived when Tottenham hired the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both occupying prestigious roles. Theirs is not yet a full-blown rivalry, but they experienced some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the superior chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more fascinating by the contrasting styles between the tacticians. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more likely to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to execute an array of deadly set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he emphasizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not inherently a defensive 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 control. They were superb with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an impressive pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences suggest Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The statistics are disappointing. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a tricky game to call. Spurs are five points off the summit and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a lack of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The situation is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is background to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, due to the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Yet, there is potential for development, 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 such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s dismissal from the dugout during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness 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 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 maximum this season implies that their fundamental philosophy is being weaponised and used to their disadvantage.

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 drive for control is taken to the limit. The threat is drifting into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the fear also comes to mind.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a strength. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are pulsating when they have space to attack.

Will Frank grant them opportunity? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a shift to a five-man defense possible? Chelsea have allowed goals 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 attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

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

But this is one game where the outcome may excuse the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a defensive approach breaks a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Victory would boost Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this duel with Maresca.