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

The feeling was that Maresca’s tactical system and emphasis on possession made him the best fit for Chelsea’s team of talented individuals. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to wait for his next opportunity. Not chosen by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his break came when Tottenham hired the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Their relationship is not yet a established rivalry, but they experienced some tight matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and created the superior chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more intriguing by the divergent approaches between the managers. Frank is considered a practical manager, more inclined to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to unveil an variety of clinical set-piece routines, whereas Maresca tends towards dogmatism. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics 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 performances 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, executed an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

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

This is a difficult game to call. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a absence of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The truth is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is background to their indifferent 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.

However, there is potential 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 furious with Delap, who is banned for the visit to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more incisive against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more steadiness is necessary from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Frustration mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a five-man defense flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Data revealing 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 weaponised and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, emphasizing a weakness when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The danger is falling into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the anxiety also comes to mind.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their most impressive performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a advantage. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have room to attack.

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

Being so direct does not necessarily match Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in from open situations. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

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