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When Chelsea were searching for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were evaluated. This was an thorough process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately chose Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s tactical system and emphasis on possession positioned him as the most suitable for Chelsea’s team of technicians. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his break arrived when Tottenham appointed the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca face each other, both occupying high-profile roles. Theirs is not yet a full-fledged rivalry, but they had some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer 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 competitive games, made more intriguing by the contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to execute an array of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards dogmatism. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; he prizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% this season is exceeded 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 telling that their best performances have come in games where they have ceded the initiative. They were excellent 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 overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences indicate Spurs should adopt a defensive approach when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their last seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a tricky game to read. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated 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 shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and difficulties 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 context to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, resulting from the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

However, there is room for progress, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous red card during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s removal from the dugout during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is banned for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more reliability is necessary from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Frustration grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch 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 implies 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, underscoring a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The risk is slipping into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the fear also comes to mind.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their best performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a advantage. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have space to attack.

Will Frank allow them freedom? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more strategic. Is a shift to a five-man defense likely? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have gotten better at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ history. 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 joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in open play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the result may excuse the method. Spurs fans will not complain if a pragmatic approach halts a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.