Djurgaarden vs. Chelsea Tips and Odds – 01/05/2025

• Fixture: Djurgården vs Chelsea (UEFA Europa Conference League Semi-Final, First Leg)
• Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025
• Venue: 3Arena, Stockholm, Sweden

Match Preview

Djurgården welcome Chelsea to Stockholm’s 3Arena for the first leg of a historic UEFA Conference League semi-final, with both clubs aiming for a place in the final. Chelsea arrive as heavy favourites, but Djurgården have shown resilience and determination throughout their European campaign, making this a tie to watch.

Djurgården’s recent form has been mixed. In the Allsvenskan, they sit mid-table after five matches, with a recent 1-0 win over Öster providing a morale boost following a goalless draw against GAIS and a 2-0 defeat to rivals Hammarby. In Europe, they stunned Rapid Vienna with a 4-1 away win to overturn a first-leg deficit in the quarter-finals, showing their ability to rise to the occasion. However, injuries have hit hard: key midfielders Rasmus Schüller and Patric Åslund are out for the spring, and several others are sidelined, including Nino Žugelj (broken foot), Oskar Fallenius (foot injury), and first-choice goalkeeper Malkolm Nilsson Säfqvist (dislocated elbow).

Chelsea, meanwhile, are in strong form, sitting fifth in the Premier League and having recently beaten Everton 1-0 and Fulham 2-1. Their only recent blemish was a 2-1 home loss to Legia Warsaw in the previous Conference League round, but they had already secured a 3-0 away win in the first leg and progressed comfortably. The Blues are dealing with their own injury concerns: Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, and Omari Kellyman are all out for the season, while Marc Guiu remains a doubt, and Romeo Lavia is only just returning to training.

Despite the injury list, Chelsea’s squad depth and attacking firepower make them formidable. Their Conference League campaign has been impressive, scoring in 12 consecutive matches and averaging nearly two goals per game. Djurgården’s defensive solidity at home will be tested to the limit.

The atmosphere in Stockholm is expected to be electric, with Djurgården playing in their first-ever European semi-final. The Swedish side will hope their home crowd can inspire another upset, but Chelsea’s quality and experience in continental competition make them clear favourites to take a first-leg advantage back to London.

Key Players

Djurgården:

• Adam Ståhl: The team’s leading scorer in the league and a key attacking threat.
• Tobias Fjeld Gulliksen: Creative midfielder and top assist provider, crucial for transitions.
• Marcus Danielson: Veteran defender, providing leadership at the back.

Chelsea:

• Christopher Nkunku: The Blues’ top scorer in Europe, a constant goal threat.
• Enzo Fernández: Midfield engine, vital for controlling possession and tempo.
• Mykhailo Mudryk: In-form winger, capable of unlocking defences with pace and skill.

Prediction

Chelsea’s superior squad depth, European pedigree, and recent form make them strong favourites. Djurgården’s injuries, especially in midfield, leave them vulnerable against Chelsea’s dynamic attack. Expect the Swedish side to show spirit and organisation, but Chelsea should have too much quality and are likely to secure a win in Stockholm, possibly by a two-goal margin.

Predicted score: Djurgården 0-2 Chelsea.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are indicative and may vary. Always check the latest prices before placing a bet.

Chelsea are expected to take control of the tie in Sweden, but Djurgården’s fighting spirit and home support could make for an entertaining contest.