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When Chelsea were looking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, several managers were considered. It was an thorough process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately opted for Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession positioned him as the best fit for Chelsea’s team of talented individuals. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Not chosen by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both in major roles. Theirs is not yet a full-fledged rivalry, but they experienced some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the better chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two competitive games, made more fascinating by the contrasting styles between the managers. Frank is considered a adaptable coach, more willing to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to execute an range of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards dogmatism. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% this season is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their most impressive showings have come in games where they have surrendered the initiative. They were superb with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an exceptional counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results indicate Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home fixtures is the worst 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 first place and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners 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 complained about a shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s inexperience, lack of discipline, and toils against low blocks.

The situation is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

Still, there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash red card during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s banishment from the touchline during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the visit to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more incisive against low blocks. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Disappointment grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the season, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a back five confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Statistics revealing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season indicates that their key approach is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a recent issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, underscoring a vulnerability when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The threat is drifting into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the worry also applies here.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a positive attribute. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are pulsating when they have space to attack.

Will Frank grant them opportunity? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more cautious. Is a switch to a back five likely? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will take into account that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily align with Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in general play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the result may justify the method. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach breaks a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Victory would ignite Frank’s time in charge. How he would love to win this battle with Maresca.