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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 chose Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s positional game and focus on possession positioned him as the most suitable for Chelsea’s squad of technicians. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to wait for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his moment came when Tottenham hired the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Their relationship is not yet a full-blown rivalry, but they shared some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 defeat 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 interesting by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is considered a practical manager, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to deploy an variety of clinical set-piece routines, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola school; 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 varies his approach more. Spurs are not inherently a defensive side – they are seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their most impressive performances have come in games where they have ceded the initiative. They were outstanding with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an exceptional counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences indicate Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their last seven home league games. The figures are awful. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home fixtures is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight during that timeframe.

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 reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Nevertheless, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have grumbled about a absence of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is background to their mixed results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, due to the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

However, there is potential for progress, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous 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 touchline during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more penetrative against defensive teams. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more steadiness is needed from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Irritation built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss 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 prepared well. Data indicating that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season indicates that their key approach 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 most possession last season, emphasizing a flaw when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The danger is drifting into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are pulsating when they have space to attack.

Will Frank give them freedom? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s adventurous tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be smarter. Is a change to a five-man defense on the cards? Chelsea have conceded 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 offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily match Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, there is a significant creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the outcome may excuse the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach ends a four-game losing run against Chelsea. A win would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.