Chelsea will eye a strong first leg performance against Djurgardens IF Fotboll in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday in Sweden.
Chelsea make their way to Stockholm this Thursday as they prepare to face Djurgardens IF in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final. With a European trophy their only realistic shot at silverware this season, the Blues are under pressure to deliver against a Djurgarden side chasing history on home soil.
While Chelsea come into this tie as heavy favourites, their Swedish opponents are not here by accident. Djurgardens, competing in their first European semi-final in nearly seven decades, have shown resilience and grit throughout their campaign. Their quarter-final triumph over Rapid Vienna was a showcase of sheer determination: after losing the first leg 1-0 in Stockholm, they clawed back to level the tie in Austria before Tobias Gulliksen produced a stoppage-time brace to seal the deal in extra time.
Jani Honkavaara’s team has quietly built a formidable home record in Europe this season, winning six of their eight matches at 3Arena. While they do not boast the star power of Chelsea, their collective organisation and high-tempo pressing game have made them a tough nut to crack. The recent 1-0 win over Oster in domestic play may not have turned many heads, but it kept their momentum steady ahead of the club’s most important European night in decades.
For Chelsea, this fixture marks a return to familiar territory, European knockout football in the spring. It may be their first semi-final appearance since their Champions League triumph in 2021, but the Blues have vast experience at this stage of European competitions. They edged past Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals, delivering a professional 3-0 performance in Poland before surviving a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge.
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have found late-season rhythm. They are now unbeaten in five straight Premier League games, including gritty wins over Fulham and Everton. The Conference League, however, remains their clearest route to a trophy, a key milestone in the club’s ongoing rebuild. With players like Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, and academy standout Tyrique George stepping up in recent weeks, Maresca’s men have begun to resemble a side capable of fulfilling their European ambitions.
History also leans in Chelsea’s favour. The London club has never lost a European away match in Sweden, winning two and drawing two. Furthermore, they boast a flawless away record in this season’s Conference League, claiming five wins from five while scoring 14 goals and conceding only three. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Djurgardens IF Fotboll
Djurgardens IF approach the most significant European fixture in the club’s modern history with a relatively healthy squad, although manager Jani Honkavaara does have some concerns heading into Thursday’s showdown against Chelsea. The Swedish side will be without defender Piotr Johansson, who continues his recovery from a long-term groin injury and remains unavailable for selection.
Other than that, the hosts are expected to field a near full-strength team for the semi-final first leg at the 3Arena. The home side is likely to stick with their favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that has provided them with balance throughout their European campaign. Jacob Rinne is expected to get the nod in goal. The back four should consist of Adam Stahl at right-back, Jacob Une and Marcus Danielson forming the central defensive pairing, with Keita Kosugi deployed at left-back.
In midfield, Rasmus Schuller could make way for a more dynamic double pivot consisting of Daniel Stensson and Hampus Finndell. Ahead of them, the attacking trio is set to include Santeri Haarala operating on the right wing, Tobias Gulliksen taking up the central attacking role following his heroic brace against Rapid Vienna, and Vietnamese-Norwegian talent Tokmac Chol Nguen offering width and creativity on the left.
Leading the line is likely to be 21-year-old striker August Priske, whose physical presence and work rate have been central to Djurgarden’s counter-attacking strategy in Europe.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Rinne; Stahl, Larsson, Danielson, Kosugi; Stensson, Findell; Haarala, Gulliksen, Nguen; Priske
Chelsea FC
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a few enforced absences to navigate as his side travels to Sweden for the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final. The Blues remain without long-term absentees Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman, both sidelined with significant injuries.
Marc Guiu is also unavailable due to a hamstring issue picked up in training, and there is an added complication with Mykhailo Mudryk, who continues to serve a provisional suspension following a positive test for a banned substance last year.
Right-back Malo Gusto is a doubt for the trip after missing the weekend win over Everton with a minor knock. The Frenchman is still undergoing assessment and may not be risked, with Reece James potentially stepping in to start his first European match since returning from a lengthy injury layoff.
With Chelsea juggling their top-five Premier League push alongside their European aspirations, squad rotation is likely. This could open the door for players like Filip Jorgensen, Josh Acheampong, and Benoit Badiashile to be drafted into the starting lineup.
Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system, offering tactical flexibility and control through midfield. Filip Jorgensen should start in goal, preferred in European fixtures. Josh Acheampong is likely to start at right-back, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile forming the central defensive pairing. Marc Cucurella is set to retain his position at left-back.
As for the midfield unit, Reece James may be deployed in a deeper midfield role alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, allowing both physical presence and forward progression. In the advanced positions, Tyrique George is expected to start on the right wing, providing youthful energy and directness.
Cole Palmer will operate as the central attacking midfielder, orchestrating play just behind the striker. Jadon Sancho should be stationed on the left flank, where he can cut inside and link up with the midfield. Leading the line is Nicolas Jackson, whose recent goal against Everton took his tally to double digits for the campaign and underlines his growing importance to Chelsea’s attacking setup.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Dewsbury-Hall; George, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Key Stats
- This match marks the inaugural competitive encounter between Djurgardens IF and Chelsea FC. Both teams are aiming to secure a spot in the Conference League final, adding a historic chapter to their European campaigns.
- Djurgardens IF have been formidable at home in European competitions this season, winning six out of eight matches at the 3Arena.
- Chelsea have scored 33 goals in 10 matches in the competition, averaging 3.3 goals per game.
- Djurgardens IF have conceded just 10 goals in their European campaign, averaging 1 goal against per match.
- Chelsea have been dominant on the road in the Conference League, winning all five of their away matches.
Player to Watch
Nicolas Jackson
After a challenging period marked by a goal drought, Jackson found the net in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Everton on April 26, 2025, ending a 13-game scoreless streak. This crucial goal not only secured three points for the Blues but also boosted their aspirations for a top-five Premier League finish.
Throughout the current season, Jackson has made 28 Premier League appearances, scoring ten goals and providing six assists. His contributions have been instrumental in Chelsea’s offensive strategies, showcasing his ability to lead the line effectively.
Jackson’s playing style is characterised by his pace, physicality, and intelligent movement off the ball. Standing at 1.87 meters, he poses a significant aerial threat and excels in linking up play with midfielders and wingers. His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical setups, making him a valuable asset in Enzo Maresca’s system.
As Chelsea prepares to face Djurgardens IF in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final, Jackson’s form and confidence will be crucial. His recent performances suggest he is ready to rise to the occasion and make a significant impact in this critical phase of the competition.
Prediction
Djurgardens IF Fotboll 1-3 Chelsea FC
Despite Djurgardens’s strong home form and the emotional lift of reaching their first European semi-final since the 1950s, Chelsea’s superior quality, experience, and squad depth should ultimately make the difference. Expect the hosts to put up a spirited fight, but the Blues are likely to take a valuable lead back to London. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Enzo Maresca and his charges.