The first leg of the 2024/25 Conference League semifinals between Djurgården (Sweden) and Chelsea (England) will take place on May 1 at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium. Djurgården vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Djurgården
The Swedes have reached the semifinals of a European competition for the first time in their history. In the previous round, Janne Honkavaara's side started with a home defeat to Rapid (0-1) but managed to secure the necessary result in the return leg (2-1, extra time 2-0). Notably, Djurgården has won 6 of their last 8 matches in the Conference League, though they have kept a clean sheet in only two of those games. Additionally, among all the semifinalists of this tournament, the Scandinavians receive the most yellow cards on average – 2.8 per game.
- 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.
- Djurgården has never drawn at home in this tournament (12 wins, 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Djurgården (4-5-1)
Jakob Rinne – Keita Kosugi, Adam Ståhl, Jacob Une Larsson, Markus Danielsson – Daniel Stensson, Nino Zugelj, Hampus Finndell, Tobias Gulliksen, Oscar Fallenius – Tokmac Chol Nguen.
Midfielders Rasmus Schüller, Patrick Åslund, forwards Nino Zugelj and Oscar Fallenius are injured.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca's team virtually secured their semifinal spot in the first match against Legia (3-0), though they gave their fans a scare by losing the return leg at home 1-2. This defeat ended a nine-match winning streak for the Londoners in the Conference League. However, their scoring run in this tournament has reached 12 games. Moreover, Chelsea leads the list of the most prolific teams in the 2024/25 Conference League, having scored 33 goals. The last time the English reached the semifinals of a European competition was in the 2020/21 season, when they won the Champions League.
- The Brits 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.
Defender Malo Gusto and forward Marc Guehi will not play due to injury.
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%.
Djurgården vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
The Swedes have performed excellently in this Conference League, but it's unlikely that Janne Honkavaara's side will challenge the English. Against an opponent of such caliber, all of Djurgården's achievements in this tournament are likely to fade. The English have extensive European experience, and overall, Chelsea is much more skilled than the Scandinavians. I believe the best the hosts can hope for is to score 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 undoubtedly eager to redeem themselves in the eyes of their fans after the defeat to Legia. Even without additional motivation, the Brits have been unstoppable, winning 10 of their 12 Conference League matches. The attacking potential of the Londoners shines even on the road, with the club scoring 14 goals in their last five away games in the Conference League.
My prediction: Chelsea win and over 2.5 goals
