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

The feeling was that Maresca’s tactical system and emphasis on possession rendered him the best fit for Chelsea’s squad of talented individuals. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both holding major roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they had some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer 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 interesting by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to deploy an variety of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca tends towards dogmatism. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he emphasizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% this season is bettered 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 table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their most impressive displays have come in games where they have ceded the control. They were excellent with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences suggest Spurs should play on the counter when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home matches is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

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

The reality is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is background to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A disrupted pre-season, due to the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

Yet, there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash red card during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s removal from the touchline 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 effective against low blocks. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Frustration grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a back five confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had prepared well. Statistics showing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season implies that their core identity 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 the limit. The danger is slipping into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their best performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a strength. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are pulsating when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them freedom? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more cautious. Is a shift to a five-man defense on the cards? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily align with 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 performed to expectations since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the ends may excuse the means. Spurs fans will not complain if a pragmatic approach ends a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Victory would boost Frank’s reign. How he would love to win this duel with Maresca.