The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa Conference League semi-final between Chelsea (England) and Djurgården (Sweden) will take place on May 8 at Stamford Bridge in London. The first leg ended 4-1 in favor of Chelsea. Chelsea vs. Djurgården: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca's side dominated Djurgården in the first leg with a 4-1 victory, marking their 11th win in the current ECL campaign. In only one of these victories did the Londoners score fewer than two goals. To advance to the next round, the British team can afford to lose by two goals. However, Chelsea has suffered only two defeats in this tournament, both by a narrow margin. Furthermore, in their last 15 semi-final matches in all European competitions, the club has lost just once.
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of Chelsea's last 7 Europa Conference League games.
- The team conceded in 5 of their last 7 matches in this tournament.
- Chelsea has won 5 of their last 6 home matches in the ECL (1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Philip Jorgensen – Joshua Achimpong, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo – Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho.
Forwards Marc Guehi and Christopher Nkunku are out due to injury.
Djurgården
The Swedes have lost the first leg in their last three ECL playoff ties. However, in the previous two occasions, the team managed to achieve the necessary result in the return leg. In the round of 16, Djurgården defeated their opponent 3-0. But now, a three-goal lead will only take Janne Honkavaara's side to extra time. It's worth noting that the club has conceded in three consecutive matches in this tournament for the fourth time.
- Djurgården scored in 13 of their last 15 ECL games.
- The team has not lost in 6 of their last 7 away matches in the Europa Conference League (4 wins, 2 draws).
- In 8 of their last 9 away games in this tournament, Djurgården did not concede more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Djurgården (4-5-1)
Jakob Rinne – Keita Kosugi, Adam Ståhl, Jakob Une Larsson, Marcus Danielsson – Daniel Stensson, August Priske, Hampus Finndell, Tobias Gulliksen, Santeri Haarala – Tokmac Chol Nguen.
Midfielders Rasmus Schüller, Patrick Oslund, and forwards Nino Zugelj and Oscar Fallenius are injured.
Referee
João Pinheiro (Portugal)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 25%.
Chelsea vs. Djurgården: Match Prediction
It's hard to imagine Chelsea squandering such an advantage in the second leg. In the previous round, Enzo Maresca's side also had a three-goal lead over Legia, but Chelsea lost the second match 1-2. The British team learned their lesson, but complacency should not be ruled out. Such a scenario could negatively impact the hosts' defense, which already lacks reliability: the club conceded in 5 of their last 7 ECL matches. Additionally, the team might be distracted by an important Premier League match against Newcastle.
Djurgården has achieved good results in this Europa Conference League, becoming the first Swedish club since the 1986/87 season to reach the semi-finals of a European competition. In the return leg, Janne Honkavaara's side has nothing to lose, so the Scandinavians will push forward. The team has experience in overcoming deficits, and their strong attacking play plays a significant role: Djurgården scored 6 goals in regular time in the current playoffs and found the net in 14 of their 17 ECL 2024/25 matches.
My prediction: Djurgården Individual Total Over 0.5
