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When Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were considered. This was an extensive process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they finally chose 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 skilled players. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to wait for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his break came when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca face each other, both occupying prestigious roles. Theirs is not currently a full-blown rivalry, but they experienced some hard-fought encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer 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 intriguing by the contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more willing to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to execute an variety of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he prizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% so far this campaign is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not instinctively a defensive side – they are seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their best performances have come in games where they have surrendered the initiative. 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 overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results indicate Spurs might play on the counter 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 outings is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a tricky game to read. Spurs are five points off first place and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a shortage of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is background to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be ignored.

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

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is banned for the trip 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 steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment built during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the campaign, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a five-man defense baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Data revealing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season indicates that their fundamental philosophy is being used against them 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 most possession last season, highlighting a flaw when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The risk is drifting into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their finest performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a positive attribute. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are exciting when they have room to attack.

Will Frank give them opportunity? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more strategic. Is a shift to a five-man defense likely? 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 gotten better at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily match Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a significant creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in general play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the result may justify the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a cautious approach halts a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Success would energize Frank’s reign. How he would relish to win this battle with Maresca.