Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Conference League match.
Much like the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, the third-tier European competition has served up a clear contrast in pedigree. Chelsea, widely considered favourites to lift the Europa Conference League trophy, now face Djurgården, a side whose run to the semi-finals has come as a surprise to many.
Chelsea
Despite lacking the star power of the more prestigious UEFA club competitions, most of the expected contenders have made it to the final four. Among the clubs with Champions League pedigree who reached the knockout round but failed to progress, only Copenhagen truly stood out. The Danish outfit were unfortunate to be drawn against Chelsea as early as the Round of 16. While they put up a fight, they were ultimately outclassed in both legs (1:2, 0:1). Legia Warsaw offered even less resistance to Chelsea. After a dominant 3:0 win away from home, the 1:2 result at Stamford Bridge held little meaning.
Djurgården
Djurgården were among several sides with a realistic shot at the semi-finals, with the key being to avoid Real Betis and Fiorentina. That objective was successfully met, with those two southern clubs drawn against each other in the opposite semi-final. The Swedish team first overcame Pafos, then dispatched SK Rapid Wien. Of note were their emphatic victories: 3:0 at home against the Cypriots and 4:1 away to the Austrians.
Djurgården vs Chelsea Prediction
We expect Chelsea to be businesslike in their approach and to book their place in the final without delay. A disciplined, professional performance should see them through, and backing the favourites with a handicap looks a solid option—even with the match taking place in Stockholm.
