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At the time Chelsea were looking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were considered. This was an comprehensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they finally opted for Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s tactical system and priority on possession made him the most suitable for Chelsea’s roster of technicians. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to bide his time for his next chance. Not chosen by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his break arrived when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca meet, both occupying prestigious roles. Theirs is not currently a full-blown rivalry, but they had some tight matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and had the superior chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more interesting by the tactical differences between the coaches. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more likely to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to execute an array of clinical set-piece routines, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola school; he prizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is bettered 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 most impressive performances 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 outstanding counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results indicate Spurs ought to sit back when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The numbers are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a hard game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached 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 inexperience, indiscipline, and struggles against defensive setups.

The truth is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is background to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Yet, there is scope for development, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory 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 angry with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more incisive against low blocks. The goals have decreased for João Pedro, and more reliability is necessary from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Irritation mounted 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 baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Data indicating that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season suggests that their fundamental philosophy is being exploited and turned on them.

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 flaw when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The danger is drifting into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the anxiety also comes to mind.

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

Will Frank grant them space? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a change to a back five on the cards? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have improved at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a significant creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in general play. Their forwards remain erratic.

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