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At the time Chelsea were seeking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were considered. This was an comprehensive process that involved the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they eventually chose Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s tactical system and focus on possession rendered him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s roster of talented individuals. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to bide his time for his next opportunity. Passed over by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham brought in the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca meet, both holding major roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they had some close matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more interesting by the contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more likely to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to execute an array of clinical set-piece routines, whereas Maresca veers towards dogmatism. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he prizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% so far this campaign is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not naturally a defensively-minded side – they are ranked seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their strongest showings have come in games where they have relinquished the control. They were outstanding with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an impressive pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances point to Spurs should adopt a defensive approach when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The figures are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 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 call. Spurs are five points off first place and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the quarter-finals 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 onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and struggles against defensive setups.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is background to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Still, there is scope for development, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous red card during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup success against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s banishment from the technical area during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the trip to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more penetrative against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Disappointment built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a back five flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Data indicating that it is one win 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 no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, underscoring a flaw when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to the limit. The threat is drifting into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the fear also comes to mind.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a strength. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are dynamic when they have space to attack.

Will Frank allow them space? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more strategic. Is a shift to a back five on the cards? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing 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 direct does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a significant creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in general play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the outcome may validate the approach. Spurs fans will not object if a cautious approach halts a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Success would ignite Frank’s reign. How he would cherish to win this duel with Maresca.