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When Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were in contention. It was an thorough process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they finally chose Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s positional game and focus on possession rendered him the most suitable for Chelsea’s squad of skilled players. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to bide his time for his next opportunity. Passed over by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham brought in the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding high-profile roles. Theirs is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they shared some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure 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 engaging games, made more interesting by the tactical differences between the tacticians. Frank is considered a practical manager, more likely to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to execute an array of effective set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he values dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not instinctively 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 initiative. They were excellent with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an exceptional pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results point to Spurs might sit back when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their last seven home league games. The figures are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home fixtures is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a tricky game to read. Spurs are five points off first place and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions 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 absence of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The truth is that both managers are managing reasonably well. 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, resulting from the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Still, there is room for progress, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash dismissal 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 angry with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more penetrative against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Irritation grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the campaign, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a five-man defense baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Numbers showing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season suggests that their fundamental philosophy 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, highlighting a vulnerability when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The danger 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 contests this view, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their most impressive performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a advantage. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank allow them freedom? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more cautious. Is a switch to a five-man defense possible? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a heavy creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in open play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the ends may excuse the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach halts a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. A win would ignite Frank’s time in charge. How he would relish to win this contest with Maresca.