Date: Thursday 8th May, 2025
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Stamford Bridge
Referee Joao Pinheiro (Portugal)
Goal Scorer:
Team News
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca is likely to rotate his squad for the second leg, as he did against Legia Warsaw, particularly with a crucial Premier League fixture against Newcastle United looming. Despite the temptation to rest key players, the Chelsea manager still named a relatively strong XI for the Legia fixture and could adopt a similar approach against Djurgardens.
Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out after suffering an injury setback, joining Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu on the sidelines. Romeo Lavia has recovered from his injury but remains ineligible for the UEFA Europa Conference League, so he will be held back for the weekend clash at St James’ Park.
Josh Acheampong was the only youngster to start against Legia, but with Chelsea holding a commanding lead, there could be more opportunities for the likes of Tyrique George, Shumaira Mheuka, and Mathis Amougou to feature from the start or off the bench.
In goal, Filip Jorgensen is expected to retain his place, given the comfortable lead Chelsea hold from the first leg over Djurgardens. Josh Acheampong is likely to continue at right-back, with Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo forming the central defensive pairing. Malo Gusto is set to start at left-back, bringing pace and width to the side.
In midfield, Reece James is expected to anchor the centre of the pitch, offering experience and composure. Mathis Amougou could be handed a start alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, both of whom will be tasked with controlling possession and supporting both attack and defence.
The front three is expected to be youthful, with Jadon Sancho operating on the right wing, Shim Mheuka leading the line as the central striker, and Tyrique George starting on the left. This attacking trio will have the opportunity to impress in a relatively low-pressure environment, given Chelsea’s firm grip on the tie.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, Gusto; James, Amougou, Dewsbury-Hall; Sancho, Mheuka, George
Djurgarden
Djurgardens IF are severely depleted heading into the second leg, with a lengthy list of absentees affecting their squad depth. Starting goalkeeper Filip Manojlovic is not registered to play in European competitions, while backup Malkolm Nilsson is sidelined with an elbow injury. Jacob Rinne will continue between the posts after stepping in for the first leg.
Zakaria Sawo, Matias Siltanen, and Albin Ekdal are also unregistered and will not feature. Injuries have further compounded Honkavaara’s selection issues, forcing him to name only seven substitutes instead of the permitted 12 in last week’s fixture.
The injury list includes key first-team players Patric Aslund, Oskar Fallenius, Nino Zugelj, Rasmus Schuller, and Piotr Johansson, all of whom are unavailable for the trip to London. This significant depletion leaves Honkavaara with limited options across the pitch.
Jacob Rinne will start in goal, deputising for the absent Malkolm Nilsson. The back four will consist of Adam Stahl at right-back, with Jacob Une Larsson and Marcus Danielson as the central defensive pairing. Keita Kosugi will operate at left-back, providing width and support down the flank.
In the midfield trio, Hampus Finndell will anchor the centre, tasked with breaking up Chelsea’s attacks. Daniel Stensson will slot in alongside Finndell, offering additional defensive cover and control in possession. Tobias Gulliksen will complete the midfield, looking to link up with the forwards and offer some attacking impetus.
Up front, the front three will see Santeri Haarala positioned on the right wing, with Tokmac Chol Nguen operating through the centre as the focal point of the attack. August Priske will occupy the left flank, aiming to stretch Chelsea’s backline and provide service to Nguen in the box.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Rinne; Stahl, Larsson, Danielson, Kosugi; Finndell, Stensson, Gulliksen; Haarala, Nguen, Priske
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Djurgardens IF (Chelsea to win 7-1 on aggregate)
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