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At the time Chelsea were looking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were in contention. This was an extensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately selected Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession positioned him as the best fit for Chelsea’s team of skilled players. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Not chosen by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his break came when Tottenham appointed the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding prestigious roles. Theirs is not yet a established rivalry, but they shared some tight 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 engaging games, made more interesting by the divergent approaches between the tacticians. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more willing to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to unveil an array of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are ranked 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 surrendered the possession. They were outstanding 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 should sit back when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The figures are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the poorest 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 summit and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a shortage of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, lack of discipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The truth is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose 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, due to the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

However, there is potential for development, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s unnecessary sending off during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s dismissal from the touchline during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is banned for the visit to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more consistency is necessary from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Frustration built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a back five baffled 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 highest this season indicates that their core identity is being exploited and used to their disadvantage.

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, highlighting a weakness when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The risk is falling into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a strength. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are pulsating when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them opportunity? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a shift to a back five on the cards? Chelsea have allowed goals 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 offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

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

But this is one game where the ends may excuse the approach. Spurs fans will not mind if a cautious approach ends a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Success would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this duel with Maresca.