Conference League 2024-2025: Djurgarden-Chelsea, the likely lineups

Thursday, May 1 at 9 p.m. at the 3Arena in Stockholm will stage the first leg of the Conference League semifinals between Djurgarden and Chelsea. The Englishmen led by Enzo Maresca had the challenge against the Swedes after winning one-nil at home against Everton in the Premier League.

Djurgarden comes to this challenge after postponing its league engagement against Brommapojkarna to focus on Europe. In Allsvenskan, it has picked up 7 points in 5 days, while its last victory was on April 24 against Oster (1-0), decided by an Adolfsson own goal. In the Conference League, Kim Honkavaara’s team finished the group stage in fifth place with 13 points, advancing directly to the round of 16. Here it eliminated first Pafos (3-0 in the return leg after losing the first leg) and then Rapid Vienna, overturning a 0-1 home loss with a 1-4 overtime win away.

The hosts are expected to take the field with a 4-2-3-1. Croon should start in goal, with the two center-backs in front of him expected to be Danielsson and Tenho. The two full-backs in all likelihood should be Kosugi on the left and Stahl on the right. the two midfielders in front of the defense should instead be Stensson and Siltanen. Priske will be the trequartista, while Haarala and Gulliksen will act on the flanks. Sole forward Sawo.

Enzo Maresca’s team, on the other hand, should take the field with the same scheme as the Swedes, the 4-2-3-1. There should be room in goal for Jorgensen, with the two center-backs in front of him expected to be Adarabioyo and Colwill instead. The two full-backs will most likely be Cucurella and James. Lavia and Dewsbury-Hall in front of the defense, with Enzo Fernandez as a trequartista. The two outfielders will be Madueke and Sancho. Jackson will be the sole point.

Probable lineups

Djurgarden (4-2-3-1): Croon, Danielsson, Tenho, Kosugi, Stahl; Stensson, Siltanen; Priske Haarala, Gulliksen, Sawo. Coach: Jani Honkavaara

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, James; Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall, Enzo Fernandez; Madueke, Sancho, Jackson. Coach: Enzo Maresca