Djurgarden entertain Chelsea this evening
Djurgardens v Chelsea Odds: Chelsea Set for Swedish Showdown
Thursday, 1 May 2025 | Kick-off: 8pm UK | Tele2 Arena, Stockholm
The Blues Head North with European Glory in Sight
Chelsea’s pursuit of silverware rolls on as they make the trip to Sweden for a tantalising UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgardens IF. The London giants will stride into the Tele2 Arena on Thursday evening aiming to take a decisive step towards lifting Europe’s newest trophy.
Djurgarden, for their part, have already made history—this is their first-ever appearance in a European semi-final. They’ll be hoping to make even more memories, though stopping Chelsea will require something bordering on Nordic mythology.
The Road to Stockholm: How They Got Here
Chelsea’s route to the semi-finals included a comfortable dismissal of Polish side Legia Warsaw. A commanding 3-0 away victory laid the foundation before the Blues suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat in the return leg at Stamford Bridge. Thankfully, the cushion was large enough for Enzo Maresca’s side to progress without breaking too much of a sweat—or indeed, their supporters’ nerves. That triumph booked Chelsea’s 15th semi-final appearance in European competition.
Meanwhile, Djurgarden have put together a memorable and nerve-shredding journey of their own. They navigated the group stage by amassing 13 points from six matches, sneaking through to the knockouts. A 3-1 aggregate win over Pafos in the last 16 was followed by a dramatic quarter-final against Rapid Vienna.
Trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Sweden, Djurgarden levelled the tie with a 2-1 win in Austria. Step forward Tobias Gulliksen, who produced a heroic extra-time brace to fire the Swedes into uncharted territory—the final four. That made Djurgarden the first Swedish side to reach a European semi-final since Goteborg’s UEFA Cup glory in 1987. Long time ago, that.
Current Form: Both Sides Peaking at the Right Time
Following their continental success, Djurgarden briefly stalled with a goalless domestic draw against GAIS. They quickly regained their stride, though, edging Oster 1-0 on 24 April to keep the confidence flowing ahead of their daunting Chelsea encounter.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been building momentum nicely. Late goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto secured a 2-1 Premier League win over local rivals Fulham, followed by a tight 1-0 victory over Everton thanks to Nicolas Jackson. That run has kept the Blues firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish and a return to the Champions League next season.
Importantly, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five Premier League outings, with three wins and two draws—a timely resurgence with both domestic and European ambitions alive and kicking.
Chelsea’s Swedish Fortitude and European Prowess
The Blues will also take solace in their impressive recent record on the road in Europe. They’ve won five consecutive away fixtures in this season’s Conference League, notching 14 goals and conceding a miserly three in the process.
Historically, Chelsea have also remained undefeated in their last four European trips to Sweden, recording two wins and two draws. The omens, it seems, are quite favourable.
Team News: Injuries and Suspensions Shape the Line-ups
Djurgarden’s preparations have been hampered by injuries to Malkolm Nilsson Safqvist, Rasmus Schuller, and Patric Aslund, all of whom are set to miss the first leg. Oskar Fallenius and Nino Zugelj are also major doubts, having been sidelined since their heroics against Rapid Vienna.
Goalkeeper Jacob Rinne should be fit to return between the sticks after sitting out the win over Oster due to illness. Manager Jani Honkavaara is also expected to freshen up his starting XI. Jacob Une Larsson will likely slot into the defence, Hampus Findell should bolster the midfield, and Tokmac Nguen is tipped to provide attacking spark alongside Gulliksen.
As for Chelsea, Maresca continues to contend with a few key absentees. Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman, and Marc Guiu remain sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, Mykhaylo Mudryk is still suspended following a rather regrettable positive test for a banned substance—he clearly misunderstood the concept of performance “enhancers.” Full-back Malo Gusto faces a late fitness test after missing the Everton clash.
With the Blues juggling domestic and European commitments, Maresca is expected to rotate his squad. Filip Jorgensen is poised to start in goal, with Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Benoit Badiashile forming part of the back line. Marc Cucurella should complete the defence.
In midfield, Reece James may join Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while Tyrique George, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho are likely to operate behind Nicolas Jackson in attack. The depth at Maresca’s disposal is enviable, even with the injury list.
Probable Line-Ups: A Battle of Styles
Djurgarden are expected to field Rinne in goal, protected by a back four comprising Stahl, Une Larsson, Danielson, and Kosugi. In midfield, Stensson and Findell should anchor proceedings, with Harala, Gulliksen, and Nguen offering creativity and width. Gustav Priske is set to lead the line.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are likely to deploy Jorgensen in goal, behind Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, and Cucurella. James and Dewsbury-Hall should pull the strings in midfield. George, Palmer, and Sancho will provide support for Jackson, whose recent goalscoring exploits have been timely.
Prediction: Can the Blues Tame the Swedish Underdogs?
Given their recent form and European pedigree, Chelsea will be firm favourites heading into this tie. Djurgarden’s resilience and impressive home record suggest they won’t roll over easily, but the sheer quality and depth of the Blues’ squad should ultimately tell.
Our prediction? Djurgardens IF 1-3 Chelsea. Expect the visitors to establish a healthy first-leg advantage, while the Swedes may at least give their fans something to cheer about before the daunting return trip to Stamford Bridge.
A Word to the Wise: Fancy a Flutter?
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