Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night with one foot already in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, welcoming Djurgardens IF for the second leg of a semi-final tie that appears all but over.
Enzo Maresca’s side delivered a commanding performance in Sweden last week, securing a 4-1 win that has effectively ended the contest ahead of the return leg. With a potential final against either Real Betis or Fiorentina in Wroclaw later this month, Chelsea know that only a professional job is needed to complete the formalities.
The Blues had the match wrapped up by the hour mark in Stockholm, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke putting the visitors two up before half time. Substitute Nicolas Jackson added a brace of his own to make it 4-0, before a late goal from Isak Alemayehu offered only brief consolation for the Swedish side.
For Chelsea fans, it brought back memories of the previous round when the team returned from Poland with a similar advantage over Legia Warsaw. Though they lost the second leg at home, it didn’t stop them from progressing comfortably, and the same script looks likely to unfold here.
Adding to the sense of inevitability is Chelsea’s blistering domestic form. After brushing aside Liverpool with a 3-1 win at the weekend, the West London club have now won four in a row and are firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification. With a pivotal Premier League clash against Newcastle United on the horizon, Maresca is expected to rotate his squad and rest key names, knowing that the job is nearly done.
Chelsea also boast a strong track record at home against Swedish sides, having won all three previous encounters at the Bridge without conceding a goal. It would take a historic collapse for that to change.
As for Djurgardens, their European fairytale looks set to reach its end. After being outclassed on home soil, the focus for Jani Honkavaara now shifts to salvaging their stuttering domestic campaign. The visitors are languishing in the bottom half of the Allsvenskan standings, with just eight points from six matches and a worrying inability to bounce back after European outings.
Their 1-1 draw with AIK on Sunday extended a frustrating pattern: Djurgarden have failed to win any of their three league games that followed European fixtures this season. Though they could still become the first Swedish side in history to win 11 matches in a single European campaign, even a result here would likely be little more than symbolic.
Unless Chelsea implode spectacularly, a scenario that seems extremely unlikely given current form, Thursday night should serve as a routine stepping stone to their first European final since their Champions League triumph in 2021. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Enzo Maresca is likely to rotate his squad for the second leg, as he did against Legia Warsaw, particularly with a crucial Premier League fixture against Newcastle United looming. Despite the temptation to rest key players, the manager still named a relatively strong XI for the Legia fixture and could adopt a similar approach here.
Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out after suffering an injury setback, joining Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu on the sidelines. Romeo Lavia has recovered from his injury but remains ineligible for the Conference League, so he will be held back for the weekend clash at St James’ Park.
Josh Acheampong was the only youngster to start against Legia, but with Chelsea holding a commanding lead, there could be more opportunities for the likes of Tyrique George, Shumaira Mheuka, and Mathis Amougou to feature from the start or off the bench.
In goal, Filip Jorgensen is expected to retain his place, given the comfortable lead Chelsea hold from the first leg. Josh Acheampong is likely to continue at right-back, with Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo forming the central defensive pairing. Malo Gusto is set to start at left-back, bringing pace and width to the side.
In midfield, Reece James is expected to anchor the centre of the pitch, offering experience and composure. Mathis Amougou could be handed a start alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, both of whom will be tasked with controlling possession and supporting both attack and defence.
The front three is expected to be youthful, with Jadon Sancho operating on the right wing, Shim Mheuka leading the line as the central striker, and Tyrique George starting on the left. This attacking trio will have the opportunity to impress in a relatively low-pressure environment, given Chelsea’s firm grip on the tie.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, Gusto; James, Amougou, Dewsbury-Hall; Sancho, Mheuka, George
Djurgardens IF are severely depleted heading into the second leg, with a lengthy list of absentees affecting their squad depth. Starting goalkeeper Filip Manojlovic is not registered to play in European competitions, while backup Malkolm Nilsson is sidelined with an elbow injury. Jacob Rinne will continue between the posts after stepping in for the first leg.
Zakaria Sawo, Matias Siltanen, and Albin Ekdal are also unregistered and will not feature. Injuries have further compounded Honkavaara’s selection issues, forcing him to name only seven substitutes instead of the permitted 12 in last week’s fixture.
The injury list includes key first-team players Patric Aslund, Oskar Fallenius, Nino Zugelj, Rasmus Schuller, and Piotr Johansson, all of whom are unavailable for the trip to London. This significant depletion leaves Honkavaara with limited options across the pitch.
Jacob Rinne will start in goal, deputising for the absent Malkolm Nilsson. The back four will consist of Adam Stahl at right-back, with Jacob Une Larsson and Marcus Danielson as the central defensive pairing. Keita Kosugi will operate at left-back, providing width and support down the flank.
In the midfield trio, Hampus Finndell will anchor the centre, tasked with breaking up Chelsea’s attacks. Daniel Stensson will slot in alongside Finndell, offering additional defensive cover and control in possession. Tobias Gulliksen will complete the midfield, looking to link up with the forwards and offer some attacking impetus.
Up front, the front three will see Santeri Haarala positioned on the right wing, with Tokmac Chol Nguen operating through the centre as the focal point of the attack. August Priske will occupy the left flank, aiming to stretch Chelsea’s backline and provide service to Nguen in the box.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Rinne; Stahl, Larsson, Danielson, Kosugi; Finndell, Stensson, Gulliksen; Haarala, Nguen, Priske
The English winger opened the scoring in Sweden, displaying his trademark composure and clinical finishing. With Christopher Nkunku sidelined through injury, Sancho has taken on greater responsibility in the attacking third, linking up effectively with the likes of Shumaira Mheuka and Tyrique George.
Sancho’s pace, dribbling ability, and vision make him a constant threat to opposing defences. He has developed a knack for cutting inside from the right and creating shooting opportunities, and his understanding with Reece James and Malo Gusto down the flank has added another dimension to Chelsea’s attacking play.
Against a depleted Djurgardens defence, Sancho will look to exploit the spaces left by the inexperienced backline, particularly targeting the right channel where Axel Stahl has struggled in recent matches. If Sancho can maintain his form and provide the creative spark, Chelsea could be set for another dominant display at Stamford Bridge.
With a three-goal cushion and home advantage at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are overwhelming favourites to seal their spot in the final. Even with potential squad rotation, the quality gap between the two sides is significant, and Enzo Maresca’s men are in top form, having won four straight matches across all competitions.
Djurgardens IF may attempt to salvage some pride with a spirited display, but given their poor domestic form and the comprehensive nature of the first-leg defeat, a comeback is highly improbable. Expect Chelsea to control proceedings, potentially resting key players while still having enough firepower to secure a comfortable win.
