The second leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final between Chelsea (England) and Djurgården (Sweden) will be held on May 8 at Stamford Bridge in London. The first match ended 4-1 in favor of Chelsea. Chelsea vs. Djurgården: prediction and statistics.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca's side dominated Djurgården with a 4-1 victory in the first leg, marking their 11th win of the current Conference League campaign. In this stretch, the Londoners scored at least two goals in all but one of their victories. To advance to the next round, Chelsea can afford to lose by a two-goal margin. However, they have only suffered two defeats in this tournament, both by a single goal. Moreover, Chelsea has lost only once in their last 15 semi-final matches across all European competitions.
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Chelsea’s last 7 Conference League matches.
- The team has conceded in 5 of their last 7 games in this tournament.
- Chelsea has won 5 of their last 6 home matches in the Conference League (1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Filip Jorgensen – Joshua Achimpong, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo – Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho.
Forward Christopher Nkunku will not play due to injury.
Djurgården
The Swedes lost the first leg of the 2024/25 Conference League playoffs for the third time in a row. However, in the previous two instances, they managed to achieve the necessary result in the return leg. In the Round of 16, Djurgården defeated their opponent 3-0. This time, a three-goal advantage would only take the game to extra time. Notably, the team has conceded in three consecutive matches in this tournament for the fourth time.
- The Scandinavians have scored in 13 of their last 15 Conference League matches.
- Away from home, the team has not lost in 6 of their last 7 Conference League matches (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Djurgården has not conceded more than one goal in 8 of their last 9 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Djurgården (4-5-1)
Jakob Rinne – Keita Kosugi, Adam Stahl, Jakob Une Larsson, Marcus Danielson – Daniel Stensson, August Priske, Hampus Finndell, Tobias Gulliksen, Santeri Haarala – Tokmac Chol Nguen.
Midfielders Rasmus Schüller, Patrik Åslund, forwards Nino Zugelj and Oscar Fallenius, defender Adam Stahl are injured.
Referee
João Pinheiro (Portugal)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 25%.
Chelsea vs. Djurgården: Match Prediction
It is hard to imagine Chelsea squandering such an advantage in the return leg. In the previous round, Enzo Maresca's side also had a three-goal cushion against Legia, but lost the second match 1-2. The British team learned their lesson, but complacency shouldn't be ruled out. This situation could negatively impact the hosts' defense, which already lacks reliability, having conceded in 5 of their last 7 Conference League matches. Additionally, the team might be preoccupied with an important Premier League clash against Newcastle.
Djurgården has achieved excellent results in this Conference League, becoming the first Swedish club since the 1986/87 season to reach a European semi-final. In the return leg, Jani Honkavaara's side has nothing to lose, so the Scandinavians will push forward. They have experience in overturning deficits, largely thanks to their strong attacking play, which has not been an issue for the club: in the current playoffs, Djurgården has scored 6 goals in regulation time, and they have found the net in 14 of 17 matches in the 2024/25 Conference League.
My prediction: Djurgården Individual Total Over 0.5
