Chelsea are in Stockholm for the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgardens IF tonight. The Blues are massive favorites to advance, having dominated the competition with just one loss in the knockout rounds.
Manager Enzo Maresca’s side topped the league phase and disposed of FC Copenhagen and Legia Warsaw on their way to the last four. However, Pedro Neto was asked if the Blues were afraid of facing the Swedish giants, to which he responded:
“We’re Chelsea, we don’t fear anyone, we focus on ourselves.”
He also opened up about their intentions in the Europa Conference League:
“It’s really important [to win the Conference League]. It’s a really important competition. It’s a European competition, which everyone wants to win for sure. It’s always important.
“We want to win this competition more than ever. It’s always a trophy for everyone, and we are really looking forward to this next match.”
Still, Chelsea will be wary of the synthetic surface at the 3Arena, which Djurgarden players have also complained about. Enzo Maresca has expressed an understandable concern over injury risk.
Chelsea’s Team Info Against Djurgarden
Chelsea are likely to field a rotated, yet strong outfit, in tonight’s UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden at 3Arena in Stockholm. This is likely aimed at striking the right balance between squad rotation and momentum. The Blues can’t field full strength, as they have an all-important Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Blues are down a couple of big names, with Christopher Nkunku and Robert Sanchez ruled out owing to minor injuries. Nkunku’s was sustained during training, while Sanchez got injured in their Everton game. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended from playing football, while Romeo Lavia is ineligible for European competition. Long-term absentees Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu are also out.
Chelsea’s Predicted 4-2-3-1 Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Reece James, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Attacking Midfielders: Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Tyrique George
Forward: Nicolas Jackson
