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When Chelsea were looking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were evaluated. It was an thorough process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they eventually chose Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s structured approach and focus on possession made him the best fit for Chelsea’s roster of skilled players. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both occupying prestigious roles. Theirs is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they shared some close matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure 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 decent games, made more intriguing by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more likely to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to deploy an variety of effective set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca veers towards ideological rigidity. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he prizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics 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 strongest displays have come in games where they have surrendered the possession. They were superb with a back five 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 performances suggest Spurs might play on the counter when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their last seven home league games. The numbers are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home matches is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a difficult game to read. Spurs are five points off first place and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions 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 expressed frustration about a absence of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and difficulties against defensive setups.

The situation is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A disrupted pre-season, due to the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

Still, there is potential for improvement, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash sending off during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup success against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s dismissal from the technical area during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is suspended 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 reliability is needed from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Irritation grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a back five confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Data indicating that it is only one victory 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 new issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, highlighting a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The threat is drifting into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the worry also is relevant.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their best 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 dynamic when they have space to attack.

Will Frank allow them space? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a change to a five-man defense possible? Chelsea have conceded 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 fit with Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a considerable creative load on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the ends may justify the method. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach breaks a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Victory would ignite Frank’s reign. How he would cherish to win this battle with Maresca.