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Chelsea vs Djurgarden, UEFA Conference League Preview: Semi Final 2nd Leg, 2025

Chelsea will welcome Swedish club Djurgarden to Stamford Bridge on Thursday, as they look to reach the final of the UEFA Conference League.

The Blues have been pegged as favourites since the beginning of the competition, but Enzo Maresca will still require a top-level performance from his side, as they look to secure a major trophy after a four-year absence.

Maresca would have a welcome reunion if his side reach the final - having spent a year of his playing career at Fiorentina, and previously working with Manuel Pellegrini, the current manager of Real Betis, at West Ham United.

Djurgarden will be looking to surprise their opponents. Head coach Jani Honkavaara spoke very passionately after the first leg, saying he "wants to win against Chelsea", but will face a tough test away from home, and will be without several key players.

Chelsea

With the Blues taking a three goal advantage into this game, some rotation is expected.

Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong have both shone in this European campaign so far, and will hope to retain their spots in the starting eleven.

Marc Guiu is nearing a Chelsea return after being out since mid-February. Enzo Maresca says it is possible Guiu could feature tomorrow, though admits the striker could benefit from a few more days of training.

Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku have battled small injuries over the last few days, and will likely be rested for the match.

Shim Mheuka and Mathis Amougou could feature off the bench, as well as Under-18s midfielder Reggie Walsh, who became the club's youngest debutant after his appearance in the first leg last week.

Djurgarden

The list of absentees for the Swedish club reaches double figures, due to a mixture of injuries and unregistered players.

Malkolm Nilsson Safqvist remains sidelined with injury, meaning Jacob Rinne will fill in again between the sticks.

Filip Manojlovic, Zakaria Sawo, Matias Siltanen and Albin Ekdal will be unable to feature, as they are not named on the club's European squad list.

Nino Zugelj remains out after picking up an injury in the knockout game against Rapid Wien, so winger Tokmac Nguen is expected to keep his place up front.

Honkavaara will also be without Patric Aslund, Oskar Fallenius and Rasmus Schuller in midfield.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella, James, Enzo, Madueke, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, George.

Djurgarden: Rinne; Stahl, Larsson, Danielson, Kosugi, Findell, Stensson, Haarala, Gulliksen, Priske, Nguen.

Players to Watch

Chelsea: Tyrique George

With the club looking to bring in another striker this summer, as well as the arrival of promising starlet Estevao Willian, George will use games such as this one to prove his place in the team heading into next season.

The 19-year-old has exploded into form in recent matches, scoring his first for the club in the Conference League against Legia Warsawa, before adding to his tally with a league goal against Fulham.

He has benefitted from a move more centrally, and is set to lead the line for the Blues in this game.

George could also cap off a dream week - he was the recipient of the Men's Academy Player of the Season award at the club's end of season awards a few days ago.

Djurgarden: Tobias Gulliksen

Djurgarden have proven themselves as the comeback kings in the Conference League, fighting back from 1-0 deficits in both their round of sixteen and quarter final matches to win and progress.

A 4-1 defeat in the first leg against Chelsea will prove a greater challenge, especially with their long list of absentees. They will look to their top scorer in the competition for hope - Tobias Gulliksen.

Playing as either a midfielder or winger, Gulliksen has four goals and two assists in the Conference League, and scored a brace in extra time to defeat Rapid Wien in the previous round.

It was his assist which gave Djurgarden their famous goal against Chelsea last week, and fans will be hoping for a world-class from Gulliksen if they hope to complete a third straight comeback.

Match Facts

Where is the game taking place?

Chelsea will host their opponents at Stamford Bridge.

What time is kick-off?

The game is set to kick-off at 20:00pm BST.

Where can I watch?

Viewers in the UK are able to broadcast the game on TNT Sports.

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