Djurgården have exceeded all expectations and created their own fairytale in this season’s UEFA Europa Conference League, reaching the semi-finals against all odds. Here, the Swedish side face their biggest challenge yet as they welcome tournament favourites Chelsea to Stockholm for the first leg of what should be a riveting contest.
In preparation for this historic clash, Djurgården were granted a domestic reprieve, with their Allsvenskan match against Brommapojkarna postponed, leaving them mid-table after five league games. All eyes, however, are firmly on Europe, where they’ll aim to channel that underdog spirit once more.
As for Chelsea, their journey has been far from smooth despite being the clear favourites to lift the trophy. The Blues were met with boos at Stamford Bridge after slumping to a 2-1 loss to Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their quarter-final. Nevertheless, they progressed 4-2 on aggregate, though the performance raised more questions than it answered.
Here’s everything you need to know about Djurgaarden vs. Chelsea, including TV channel and streaming options for the Conference League matchup.
Where to watch Djurgaarden vs. Chelsea Conference League: Live stream, TV channel
This match is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
Djurgaarden vs. Chelsea Conference League start time
This Conference League clash takes place at the 3Arena in Stockholm Globe City, Johanneshov in Sweden and kicks off on Thursday, May 1 at 10 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the US:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Thu, May 1 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Thu, May 1 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thu, May 1 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thu, May 1 | 12:00 p.m. |
Djurgaarden vs. Chelsea predicted lineups, team news
Chelsea’s Swedish opponents are beset by a litany of injuries that will hamstring manager Jani Honkavaara.
Highly-touted young midfielder Patric Aslund was absent for the quarterfinal legs against Rapid Vienna due to a foot injury and will miss out again here. Jacob Rinne is struggling with illness, while veteran Piotr Johansson recovers from a torn ACL.
The player to watch on Djurgarden is 21-year-old Norwegian winger Tobias Gulliksen, who has scored four goals across the Conference League campaign, including a heroic extra-time brace against Rapid Vienna to complete the late comeback last round. Additionally, fans will recognise Theo Bergvall, the older brother of Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
Djurgarden predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Manojlovic (GK) — Stahl, Tenho, Danielson, Kosugi — Siltanen, Stensson — Haarala, Priske, Gulliksen — Sawo.
Injured: Rinne (illness, doubt), Aslund (foot), Ekdal (thigh), Safqvist (elbow), Zugelj (foot), Johansson (ACL), Schuller (thigh).
Suspended: None.
MORE: All the latest Chelsea news | 2024/25 Premier League top goal scorers list | Premier League schedule for 2024/25
Chelsea are largely healthy at this point in the season, with only the absences of Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu to contend with. Guiu is “close” according to Enzo Maresca, but this match is likely just too soon, while Malo Gusto is expected to return from his brief knock.
Maresca has worked hard to get the struggling Christopher Nkunku as many minutes as possible to turn around his brutal slump, but time is running out. It’s possible that Nkunku gets another chance in this match given Chelsea’s perceived superiority over the Swedish club, either up front to spell Nicolas Jackson or out wide as he was deployed against Legia Warsaw.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Jorgensen (GK) — Cucurella, Colwill, Chalobah, James — E. Fernandez, Caicedo — Madueke, Palmer, Nkunku — Jackson.
Injured: Gusto (hamstring, doubt), Guiu (hamstring), Fofana (muscle), Gusto (knock), Kellyman (hamstring), Slonina (finger).
Suspended: Mudryk (doping).
Conference League schedule 2025
All Times ET
Thursday, May 1
- Real Betis vs. Fiorentina (3:00 p.m.)
- Djurgaarden vs. Chelsea (3:00 p.m.)
