Djurgarden vs Chelsea tips and predictions: Conference League favourites to run riot in Stockholm

Djurgarden state of play 

The Swedish hosts were initially made to work for victory over Rapid Vienna in the quarter-finals in this competition. 

But, courtesy of a 4-1 victory in the second leg after extra-time, Djurgarden ended up running out comfortable winners on aggregate.

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The victory moves them a step closer to tasting their first major European trophy success, but there can be no doubting the scale of the task facing them ahead of a meeting with tournament favourites Chelsea.

Still, Jani Honkavaara’s side are unbeaten in their last three ahead of the match at the 3Arena. 

Chelsea state of play 

The Blues were boosted by three vital points picked up in their 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday, which strengthened their claim for Champions League qualification next season.

However, given the ongoing uncertainty around Enzo Maresca’s future, winning the Conference League will only boost the Italian’s chances of remaining in the Stamford Bridge dugout next season. 

In fact, failure to win the competition would be nothing short of a major disappointment given Chelsea’s status as firm odds-on favourites to lift the trophy at the end of next month.

Key talking point: Gap in quality could lead to Blues blowout in Stockholm

There’s a reason Maresca’s men are resounding favourites to win the Conference League this season. 

Their star-studded squad blows the rest of their competition out of the water, not only in terms of quality but also depth. 

The embarrassment of riches initially allowed Maresca to effectively play a second team during the early stages of the Conference League, but he has now brought some of his big-hitters into the fray as May’s final draws closer. 

For instance, star man Cole Palmer has featured in all four of his side’s knockout ties in Europe after not playing a single minute during the League Phase.

The declaration of intent should send chills through a Djurgarden side which has lost four of their previous seven home games heading into Thursday’s tie.

In reality, as was the case in their meeting with Legia Warsaw in the previous round, the tie could effectively be over by the time full-time comes around on Thursday.  

FIRST’s top tip for Djurgarden vs Chelsea

Chelsea have already scored over 2.5 goals in six of their Conference League matches this term and remain in good stead to do the same again here. 

Over 2.5+ Chelsea goals - 13/10 (Ladbrokes)

Extra tips

Djurgarden’s Daniel Stensson has averaged 2.1 fouls per game so far, so backing him to be shown a fifth yellow card in the competition could be an astute pick. 

Daniel Stensson to be shown a card - 5/4 (Ladbrokes)

Palmer may be enduring a stale period in front of goal but the nature of Thursday’s opponents means he remains a worthy punt to find the back of the net. 

Cole Palmer to score anytime - 21/20 (Coral)

Team news

Djurgarden winger Nino Zugelj suffered a broken foot in Vienna and so will miss the remainder of his side's European campaign.

Goalkeeper Jacob Rinne has also been a recent miss through illness but is expected to return on Thursday, while forward Oskar Fallenius could also feature following a foot injury sustained against Vienna. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto continues to be assessed following a thigh injury.

A similar injury also means forward Marc Guiu is ruled out until next month at the earliest, while Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman and Mykhailo Mudryk continue as long-term absentees. 

Djurgarden vs Chelsea predicted line-ups

Djurgarden (4-2-3-1): Rinne; Stahl, Larsson, Danielsson, Kosugi; Stensson, Findell; Haarala, Gulliksen, Fallenius; Nguen. 

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, James; Sancho, Palmer, George; Nkunku.

Form guide (all competitions)

Djurgarden: LWLLWLLWDW

Chelsea: WWLWDWDLWW

Odds correct at the time of writing.