Enzo Maresca guided Chelsea to a league double over Spurs last season, but this time he’s taking on Thomas Frank in the opposite dugout.
The 45-year-old made a strong start to life at Stamford Bridge, picking up two trophies and securing a place in the Champions League. The challenge now is to build on that early success.
The opening months of the 2025/26 campaign have been something of a mixed bag for the Blues:
Gary Neville has highlighted Chelsea’s inconsistency as a real issue, saying they always feel one bad result away from losing any momentum. It’s an issue that has lingered into this campaign, and it needs addressing if they want to push forward.
Enzo Maresca and Chelsea earn praise from Thomas Frank
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank had good things to say about his opposite number ahead of Saturday’s match against Chelsea.
He also mentioned that the Blues have made a strong start to the season, pointing out their solid early form.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Frank said via Tottenham’s official website: “Enzo’s done an amazing job at Chelsea. First season, qualifying for the Champions League and won the Conference League, so competing in definitely more than one front. Won the Club World Cup and had a decent start to the season – very impressive.
“It was very clear what him and his staff want to achieve, how they want to play. So, yeah, it’s going to be a nice, good challenge, another nice, good challenge in the Premier League against a very good manager and a very good team.”
Before this weekend’s match gets underway, Tottenham are third in the league table on 17 points after nine games while rivals Chelsea are ninth on 14 points.
Maresca’s side will need to avoid falling further behind if they want to stay within reach of those at the top. Last season saw them leave it late before clinching fourth place on the final day.
Alan Shearer has predicted Spurs will draw with Chelsea this Saturday but it’s worth noting that Chelsea have come out on top in their last four meetings between these sides.
Tottenham won’t mind Palmer’s absence
Chelsea are still without Cole Palmer, who remains sidelined with a groin injury – a blow that the club could do without. From Spurs’ point of view, though, it’s exactly what they want to hear.
Palmer has played four games against Tottenham as a Chelsea player and won every single one of them. He’s also found the net three times in those matches.
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With Palmer out, there will be more pressure on players like Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian to step up in such an important fixture for the Blues.
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