Djurgarden vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Djurgarden vs Chelsea: Conference League Semi-Final Preview, Prediction and Key Talking Points

The UEFA Europa Conference League may lack the prestige of its senior continental siblings, but for Chelsea, it now represents the final hope of salvaging a disjointed campaign. As the Blues prepare to face Swedish side Djurgarden in Stockholm for the first leg of their semi-final tie, the broader narrative is dominated by disillusionment with Enzo Maresca’s tenure and a fanbase increasingly vocal about the lack of clear progress.

There’s no denying the importance of this match for Maresca. European success could offer a semblance of credibility to a reign marked so far by stylistic stagnation and indifferent results. Djurgarden, 11th in the Allsvenskan with two wins in five, may appear a manageable opponent on paper. But then again, so did Legia Warsaw—and we all remember how that ended.

Djurgarden’s Best-Ever European Run Faces a Major Test

Make no mistake, Djurgarden’s run to this stage is no fluke. The Iron Stoves, as they are affectionately known, have overcome modest expectations to script their best European season in modern history. After missing out on last year’s Conference League following a qualifying defeat to Luzern, this year’s progress feels like vindication.

Photo: IMAGO

Their squad, however, has been significantly depleted ahead of this clash. Injuries to forwards Oskar Fallenius and Nino Zugelj, midfield anchor Rasmus Schuller and promising youngster Patric Åslund have forced manager Kim Bergstrand to juggle resources. Additionally, new signings Zakara Sawo and Filip Manojlovic are cup-tied and unavailable.

This could prove costly against a Chelsea side with superior squad depth, even if the Premier League giants are navigating injury challenges of their own.

Chelsea Injury Updates and Expected Line-up Changes

Chelsea’s medical room has seen considerable traffic this season. There was some good news at the weekend with Romeo Lavia making only his third appearance since December, having shaken off a persistent hamstring issue. Nicolas Jackson also found the net for the first time in weeks, ending a goal drought that had mirrored Chelsea’s broader attacking malaise.

Yet, familiar problems persist. Malo Gusto faces a late fitness test following a thigh strain, while long-term absentees Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, and Mykhailo Mudryk remain sidelined—Mudryk’s absence compounded by a provisional suspension.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite these gaps, Chelsea’s bench still boasts enough talent to shift the tie early in their favour. The real challenge lies in sustaining focus. As we’ve seen, this squad has a tendency to disengage at precisely the wrong moment.

Prediction: Can Chelsea Handle the Pressure?

This Chelsea side has been difficult to read in Europe—dominant in moments, infuriatingly lax in others. Losses to Servette and Legia weren’t just tactical stumbles; they were indictments of mentality. Against Djurgarden, there’s little margin for error.

One would expect Chelsea’s technical superiority and physical edge to shine through. But should they once again allow complacency to creep in, Djurgarden are more than capable of capitalising.

Prediction: Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea

How to Watch Djurgarden vs Chelsea

Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025Kick-off: 8pm BSTVenue: 3Arena, Stockholm, SwedenTV: TNT Sports 4 (UK coverage from 7pm)Live Stream: Discovery+ (for subscribers)Highlights: TNT Sports app and YouTube after full-time

Key Match Facts