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When Chelsea were searching 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 eventually opted for Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s positional game and priority on possession rendered him the most suitable for Chelsea’s team of talented individuals. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to wait for his next chance. Not chosen by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham brought in the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both occupying high-profile roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they shared some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the superior chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more fascinating by the contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is considered a practical manager, more likely to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to execute an variety of deadly set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he prizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not naturally a defensive side – they are ranked seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their strongest showings have come in games where they have ceded the control. They were outstanding with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an exceptional pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results point to Spurs should sit back when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their last seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a absence of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and toils against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they are defeated 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.

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

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more penetrative against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Irritation grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss 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 baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Data showing 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 fundamental philosophy 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, emphasizing a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The danger is drifting into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the worry 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 routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a strength. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank grant them freedom? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more strategic. Is a shift 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 observe that Chelsea have gotten better 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 absent, there is a significant creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in general play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the outcome may excuse the method. Spurs fans will not object if a pragmatic approach halts a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. A win would energize Frank’s reign. How he would cherish to win this duel with Maresca.