Chelsea welcome Djurgardens IF back to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night.
The Pensioners have more than one foot already in the final after a comprehensive 4-1 win in Sweden last midweek, with a showpiece event against Real Betis or Fiorentina on the horizon later this month in Poland.
Confidence will be high in the Blues’ camp as they enter the contest on the back of four consecutive wins, after beating newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge at the weekend to boost their hopes for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea Team News
Christopher Nkunku has joined Wesley Fofana on the treatment table, and the recent injury returnee, Romeo Lavia, is not registered to play in the Conference League.
Enzo Maresca said in his pre-match press conference that there is a chance of Marc Guiu being involved in the Chelsea squad after three months out.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Djurgarden (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Filip Jorgensen should don the gloves again for Chelsea. He will be hoping to keep a clean sheet this time around after conceding in Stockholm last week.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, Tosin Adarabioyo will partner Benoit Badiashile in central defence in the Chelsea lineup. Josh Acheampong should operate at right-back, with Malo Gusto taking the left-back spot in the Chelsea lineup.
The Blues’ backline must stay focused and disciplined if they intend to keep a clean sheet on Thursday night at home.
Midfield
Reece James came off the bench in the 3-1 win over Liverpool at the weekend but is expected to start here. The Chelsea skipper should anchor the midfield, allowing his partner Enzo Fernandez to take up advanced positions and influence the play in the final third.
The duo must try to take control of the game as quickly as possible. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should operate in the hole behind the striker in the Chelsea lineup, hoping to bring his creativity and link-up play to unlock the Djurgarden defence.
Moises Caicedo, who operated at right-back against Liverpool on Sunday, should start the game on the bench.
Attack
Noni Madueke has started the last two games and also scored against Djurgarden in the first leg, but Maresca may opt resting him for this one. Tyrique George may replace him on the right flank, while Jadon Sancho will hope to enjoy a productive night from the left wing in the Chelsea lineup.
Nicolas Jackson scored a brace in the first leg in Stockholm and will be raring to get himself on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge while leading the Chelsea attack.
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