Chelsea v Djurgarden

Chelsea look to be finishing the season strongly, a 3-1 win over Liverpool last time out strengthened their claim for a top-five finish and, with that, qualification for the Champions League next season. They can add to that achievement by reaching a major European final and look in a strong position to do so, having run out 4-1 winners in the first leg in Sweden. 

Djurgarden will be looking to take inspiration from Legia Warsaw, who managed to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the quarter-finals. This wasn’t enough to guide the Polish side through to the next round, but it may have laid the blueprint for the most effective approach against this Chelsea side. Legia Warsaw remain the only side to beat Chelsea in the Conference League this season.

⭐ Chelsea v Djurgarden Best Bets

➡️ Over 3.5 Goals on bet365 @ 1.83

Chelsea are clearly the side with the superior quality here, and this is reflected in the pricing for them to come out on top against Djurgarden here (1.14 to win). Chelsea have been dominant at home in the Conference League this season, winning four of their five games at Stamford Bridge in the competition, with the exception coming against Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals. 

Chelsea have seen 4+ match goals in three of these fixtures and have seen 4+ goals in six of their 11 games in the Conference League overall, including the first leg meeting, which produced five goals as Chelsea ran out 4-1 winners in Sweden. 

Djurgården have seen 5+ goals in each of their last two games in the Conference League, including in the second leg of their quarter-final against Rapid Wien. Chelsea showed in the first leg the notable gap in quality between these sides, which should actualise itself here. This selection is aided by the fact that Djurgarden could end up carrying a significant attacking threat as well. They had 16 shots in the first leg, culminating in an xG of 1.39.

An early goal for either side here could really open the floodgates, Djurgarden certainly aren’t going to exit the competition lying down as they showed in the first leg, but Chelsea’s superior quality and clinical nature in this competition should see the Blues come out on top and goals flow at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.

👕 Chelsea v Djurgarden Predicted XI

🔍 Chelsea v Djurgarden Players to Watch

🔵 Tyrique George

George recently won Chelsea’s breakthrough academy Player of the Year award at the club's annual awards celebration. He’s really grown into the season and has particularly stood out in the Conference League, where he has been getting the majority of his minutes. He’s registered six goal contributions across his 22 appearances across all competitions this season, which is an excellent return for a 19-year-old adapting to the environment of first team football. 12 of these appearances have come in the Conference League, which shows that Maresca trusts the winger in this competition. He’s also been playing up front at times for Chelsea this season, which is where he started in the first leg.

George is worth a look for a goal contribution.

🔵 Reece James

Enzo Maresca’s use of Reece James is still slightly confusing, he’s played in a variety of roles under the tutelage of the Italian manager, mainly in midfield over the last few months since his return from injury.

He made two tackles in the first leg in just 45 minutes of action as he was replaced at half time, more than any other player on the pitch. His central role has naturally led to an increase in the number of duels and tackles James is contesting. He’s won six tackles across his five appearances in the Conference League this season (1.84 per 90).

James is worth considering in the tackles market on bet365, particularly the over 1.5 line. We could benefit from bet365 Sub On Play On if he is replaced early again.

📂 Chelsea v Djurgarden Cheat Sheet

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There's plenty of European Football Tips on site for this week, as well as Gem Bets. You can take a look at the latest Chelsea v Djurgarden Betting Stats too.

💻 Chelsea v Djurgarden Form and Tactics

After a period of inconsistency across the busy winter period and the start of the year, Chelsea are starting to find form at an important point in the season. The Blues have won their last four games across all competitions, which is their best run of form since the start of the campaign. They’ve claimed important wins against Fulham, Everton and Liverpool in this period as they look to qualify for the Champions League next season. 

Chelsea were clinical in the first leg meeting between these sides, scoring four goals from their 12 shots, which was enough to generate an xG of 2.17. This is reflective of the fact that Chelsea do not need to be at their very best to beat sides in this competition, their main obstacle here will be complacency which crept in a little in the second leg of their quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw which is the only game they’ve lost in the Conference League this season. 

Djurgarden certainly offered a greater attacking threat than many expected in the first leg. They had 16 shots and generated an xG of 1.39, respectable numbers against a side like Chelsea given the disparity in finances and, therefore, player quality. They are likely to continue in this positive approach, which will inevitably lead to Chelsea generating chances, even if Maresca rotates his side with an important game in the race for Champions League football at Newcastle at the weekend.

🏁 Chelsea v Djurgarden Ref Watch

• Referee: João Pinheiro

• Stats are on a per 90 basis and are taken from Pinheiro's 24/25 games across all competitions (15 total)

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* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.