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When Chelsea were searching for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were in contention. It was an comprehensive process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally selected Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession made him the most suitable for Chelsea’s squad of talented individuals. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to wait for his next chance. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham brought in the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca face each other, both holding high-profile roles. Theirs is not currently a full-blown rivalry, but they had some close duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky 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 divergent approaches between the managers. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more likely to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to deploy an variety of deadly set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; he prizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not inherently a defensive side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their best performances have come in games where they have surrendered the initiative. They were excellent 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 destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences indicate Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The statistics are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the worst 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 top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a absence of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s inexperience, lack of discipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose 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, due to the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

Yet, there is scope for progress, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win 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 banned for the trip to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more penetrative against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Disappointment grew 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 flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Data revealing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season suggests that their fundamental philosophy is being used against them and turned on them.

This is not a new 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 the limit. The risk is drifting into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s comment 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 produced their finest performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank allow them space? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly 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 launching balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

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

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