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When Chelsea were searching for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were in contention. This was an thorough process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they ultimately opted for Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s tactical system and priority on possession made him the best fit for Chelsea’s roster of skilled players. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to bide his time for his next chance. Passed over by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both in prestigious roles. Their relationship is not yet a established rivalry, but they shared some close duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the better chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more interesting by the divergent approaches between the coaches. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more willing to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to execute an array of effective set-piece routines, whereas Maresca tends towards dogmatism. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he prizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s 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 defensive side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their best showings have come in games where they have surrendered the possession. They were outstanding with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an outstanding counterpress 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 one win from their last seven home league games. The numbers are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home fixtures is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight during that timeframe.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and struggles against defensive setups.

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

Yet, there is scope for improvement, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash sending off during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s removal from the technical area during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is banned for the trip to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more penetrative against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is needed from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Frustration mounted 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 adjustment to a back five baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Numbers showing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season implies that their fundamental philosophy is being exploited and turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, underscoring a vulnerability when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The risk is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the anxiety also comes to mind.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their best performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a positive attribute. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have space to attack.

Will Frank grant them space? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be smarter. 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 conceding too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily align with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the outcome may validate the method. Spurs fans will not object if a defensive approach ends a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. A win would boost Frank’s tenure. How he would relish to win this contest with Maresca.