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At the time Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were considered. This was an extensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they finally chose Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s positional game and focus on possession positioned him as the best fit for Chelsea’s squad of technicians. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to wait for his next opportunity. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his moment arrived when Tottenham brought in the Dane after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca face each other, both in prestigious roles. Their relationship is not currently a established rivalry, but they shared some tight matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 defeat 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 interesting by the contrasting styles between the coaches. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more willing to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to deploy an variety of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he prizes dominance 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 instinctively a defensively-minded side – they are ranked seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is significant that their best displays have come in games where they have surrendered the possession. They were excellent with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an impressive counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences point to Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their last seven home league games. The statistics are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home outings is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a difficult game to read. Spurs are five points off the summit and unbeaten 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 grumbled about a shortage of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The situation 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 had an impact. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

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 banishment from the technical area during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was displeased with Delap, who is banned for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more effective against defensive teams. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is required from Chelsea’s young wingers.

Disappointment grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s switch to a five-man defense baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics indicating that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season indicates 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, emphasizing a weakness when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The risk is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the fear also applies here.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their best performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Flexibility is a positive attribute. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have room to attack.

Will Frank give them freedom? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will certainly be more strategic. Is a switch to a five-man defense on the cards? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily align with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a heavy creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not made an impact since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are predictable in from open situations. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the ends may excuse the means. Spurs fans will not mind if a defensive approach breaks a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Success would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this duel with Maresca.