The first leg of the 2024/25 Conference League semi-final between Djurgarden (Sweden) and Chelsea (England) will take place on May 1 at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium. Djurgarden vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Djurgarden
The Swedes have reached the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time in their history. In the previous round, Jani Honkavaara's side began with a home defeat to Rapid (0-1), but managed to achieve the desired result in the return leg (2-1, extra time 2-0). Notably, Djurgarden has won 6 of their last 8 matches in the Conference League, but only kept a clean sheet in two of those games. Additionally, among all semi-finalists in this tournament, the Scandinavians receive the most yellow cards on average – 2.8 per match.
- The Swedes have scored in 12 of their last 14 Conference League matches.
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 7 of their last 8 home games in the Conference League.
- Djurgarden has yet to draw at home in this tournament (12 wins, 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Djurgarden (4-5-1)
Jakob Rinne – Keita Kosugi, Adam Stahl, Jakob Une Larsson, Markus Danielsson – Daniel Stensson, Nino Zugelj, Hampus Finndell, Tobias Gulliksen, Oscar Fallenius – Tokmac Chol Nguen.
Midfielders Rasmus Schüller, Patrik Oslund, forwards Nino Zugelj and Oscar Fallenius are injured.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca's men nearly secured their semi-final spot in the first leg against Legia (3-0), but made their fans nervous in the return match, losing 1-2 at home to the Poles. This defeat ended Chelsea's nine-match winning streak in the Conference League. Nevertheless, the British side has scored in 12 consecutive matches in this tournament. Moreover, Chelsea leads the list of the most prolific teams in the 2024/25 Conference League, having netted 33 goals. The last time the English reached the semi-finals of a European competition was in the 2020/21 season, when they went on to win the Champions League.
- The British have opened the scoring in 11 of their last 12 Conference League games.
- Chelsea has won their last 5 away matches in this tournament.
- In 8 of their last 10 Conference League matches, the team has scored at least two goals.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Filip Jorgensen – Joshua Achimpon, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo – Reece James, Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho.
Forward Mark Guiu will miss the match due to injury, as will Robert Sanchez and Christopher Nkunku.
Referee
Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 48;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 21%.
Djurgarden vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
The Swedes have performed admirably in this Conference League, but Jani Honkavaara's men are unlikely to challenge the English side. Against an opponent of such caliber, Djurgarden's achievements in this tournament will likely pale in comparison. The English side has a wealth of European experience, and Chelsea is generally much more skilled than the Scandinavians. I believe the most the hosts can achieve is scoring a goal. The team has no issues with scoring, having found the net in 8 of their last 9 home matches in the Conference League.
Chelsea is surely eager to redeem themselves in the eyes of their fans after the loss to Legia in the last match. Even without additional motivation, the British side has been dominant, securing 10 wins in 12 Conference League matches. The attacking potential of the Londoners is evident even on the road: in their last five away games in the Conference League, the club has scored 14 goals.
My prediction: Chelsea to win and Total over 2.5 goals
