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When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were in contention. It was an thorough process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they finally opted for Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession rendered him the most suitable for Chelsea’s team of technicians. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to wait for his next chance. Not chosen by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham appointed the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca meet, both holding high-profile roles. Theirs is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they experienced some close duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more intriguing by the divergent approaches between the managers. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more likely to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to execute an variety of clinical set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca leans towards dogmatism. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; 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 defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their best displays have come in games where they have relinquished the possession. They were superb with a five-man defense 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 experiences suggest Spurs ought to play on the counter when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their last seven home league games. The numbers are awful. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a hard game to predict. Spurs are five points off the summit and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a shortage of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The truth is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is background to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Yet, there is scope for development, 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 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 suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more penetrative against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Irritation mounted 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 five-man defense confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Numbers showing that it is only one victory 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 recent issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, underscoring a vulnerability when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to the limit. The threat is falling into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the fear 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. Flexibility is a advantage. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank give them space? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more strategic. Is a shift to a back five likely? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily match Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a heavy creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in general play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the result may excuse the method. Spurs fans will not object if a cautious approach breaks a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s reign. How he would relish to win this duel with Maresca.