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Djurgården vs Chelsea Conference League preview: where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news

Where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news for the UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer in training ahead of the encounter with Djurgården
Chelsea's Cole Palmer in training ahead of the encounter with Djurgården UEFA via Getty Images

Djurgården host Chelsea in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final tie.

Match at a glance

When: Thursday 1 May (21:00 CET)
Where:
Stockholm Arena, Stockholm
What: Conference League semi-final first leg
Next:
Semi-final second leg, Thursday 8 May (21:00 CET)
How to follow:
 Build-up and live coverage can be found here

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Conference League broadcast partner(s) here.

What do you need to know?

After an extra-time victory took them past SK Rapid in Vienna, Swedish side Djurgården are preparing for their first-ever European semi-final. Opponents Chelsea have them beat for continental pedigree with two UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League titles to their name, but Djurgården are full of belief after extending their impressive campaign. "To play against Chelsea is going to be a big experience for me," said full-back Keita Kosugi. "It's going to be a tough game but we can beat Chelsea as a team."

Chelsea last reached a European semi-final during their triumphant Champions League campaign in 2021, a positive reminder as they ready themselves for the Stockholm trip. Enzo Maresca remains wary, though, particularly after Chelsea suffered a first defeat in the Conference League proper, losing 2-1 to Legia Warszawa in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. And with pressure mounting in the Premier League too, the Blues cannot afford to let standards slip. "We're in the last part of the season, with [four] Premier League games and the semi-finals – for different reasons they are all finals for us," said Maresca.

Possible line-ups

Djurgården: Rinne; Ståhl, Une, Danielson, Kosugi; Stensson, Finndell; Priske, Gulliksen, Haarala; Nguen

Chelsea: Sánchez; Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; James, Dewsbury-Hall; Nkunku, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Form guide

Djurgården

Form: WDWLLW
Latest: Djurgården 1-0 Öster, Swedish First Division, 24/04

Chelsea

Form: WWLDWD
Latest: Chelsea 1-0 Everton, Premier League, 26/04

Form includes all competitive games in the 2024/25 season; the most recent result is listed first. For statistical purposes, penalty shoot-outs do not count towards results.

Reporter's view

Jasmin Nur, match reporter: Chelsea have yet to lose in four previous visits to Sweden for UEFA competition games (W2 D2), so as they welcome the Premier League side, Djurgården are under no illusions that they face a gargantuan task. However, the Stockholm outfit also know that the odds have been stacked against them ever since the start of the league phase, and yet here they are.

What the coaches say

Jani Honkavaara, Djurgården coach: "We need to have our best day, to be brave but humble at the same time. Attacking-wise, Chelsea are a really organised team, a really patient team. They have a lot of possession even in the Premier League. We have to stay on the ball, especially at home. Because then they're not so patient in defence. We have the normal tools underdogs have."

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea coach: "This is a nice moment. We can reach a final. Since we started, we have said step by step. Now the aim is to try and reach the final. It's a big title, a huge title, because it's a European title."

Jacob Une, Djurgården defender: "We have fantastic support here at home. I'm not sure how Chelsea will react but I'm sure it will be at least some surprise for them. It's going to be great. Over the last week I've received a lot of messages about tickets; I've been a popular guy."

Pedro Neto, Chelsea forward: "I don't set myself targets. Things will come natural. I just try to finish as many chances as I can. I try and help the team in any way I can. If you put too much pressure things will not come off. I am focused on just my game."