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When Chelsea were seeking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were in contention. It was an comprehensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they finally opted for Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s tactical system and focus on possession positioned him as the best fit for Chelsea’s team of skilled players. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to bide his time for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham brought in the Danish manager after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both in prestigious roles. Their relationship is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they shared some close encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the more clear-cut chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more intriguing by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is more of a practical manager, more willing to be direct, play on the counter-attack, and wait for opportunities to unveil an range of deadly set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he emphasizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is exceeded 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 notable that their best performances have come in games where they have relinquished the control. They were outstanding with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an outstanding counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results indicate Spurs ought to play on the counter when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The numbers are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a tricky game to call. Spurs are five points off first place and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the last eight 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 moan about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and struggles against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could slip to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

Maresca was furious with Delap, who is suspended for the visit to Spurs. But he is also considering 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 wide players.

Irritation built during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a five-man defense confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Data showing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season implies that their key approach is being used against them and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, underscoring a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to the limit. The risk is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s term. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the anxiety also is relevant.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their best performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a advantage. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are exciting when they have room to attack.

Will Frank allow them opportunity? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more strategic. Is a shift to a five-man defense likely? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso throwing balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily align with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a considerable creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in general play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the outcome may excuse the means. Spurs fans will not complain if a pragmatic approach ends a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. Victory would boost Frank’s tenure. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.