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

The opinion was that Maresca’s positional game and emphasis on possession positioned him as the best fit for Chelsea’s squad of technicians. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to remain patient for his next chance. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his break arrived when Tottenham hired the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding major roles. Their relationship is not currently a established rivalry, but they experienced some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the better chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more intriguing by the divergent approaches between the tacticians. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more likely to be direct, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to deploy an range of effective set-piece routines, whereas Maresca tends towards dogmatism. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s 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 notable that their strongest displays have come in games where they have surrendered the control. They were excellent with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an impressive pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences point to Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their past seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ return 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 hard game to read. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to 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 responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s inexperience, lack of discipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The truth is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their inconsistent 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.

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

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is banned for the visit to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Frustration grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the season, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a back five confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Statistics indicating that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season suggests that their key approach is being exploited and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, highlighting a weakness when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The danger is slipping into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also applies here.

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

Will Frank give them opportunity? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a switch to a back five possible? 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 improved at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily match Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in from open situations. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the ends may justify the method. Spurs fans will not complain if a defensive approach ends a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Success would ignite Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this duel with Maresca.