Djurgarden v Chelsea: Predicted Blues XI for Conference League semi

Chelsea travel to Sweden on Thursday to face Djurgarden in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final. 

Enzo Maresca’s side are overwhelming favourites to win the competition, but the Italian will be wary of the threat posed by their opponents on Thursday.

Here, we predict the XI that he could select for the first leg.

Goalkeeper

Filip Jorgensen is in line to start on Thursday. The Dane had leapfrogged Robert Sanchez and became Chelsea’s first choice ‘keeper at one stage, but he hasn’t been involved in any of their last seven Premier League games. He has missed just one Conference League game, though, and will start against Djurgarden.

Defenders

Youngster Josh Acheampong could be given another opportunity to impress at right-back. The Englishman has featured ten times for Maresca’s side this season and has impressed when given opportunities.

Josh Acheampong could start on Thursday night

In the centre of defence, Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to partner Benoit Badiashile. The duo have struggled to establish themselves as certain starters in the league, but both have featured heavily in Europe and they could continue their partnership.

At left-back, Marc Cucurella is likely to start. The Spaniard is enjoying a fine season for the Blues, after struggling last term.

Midfielders

Captain Reece James could once again be used as a midfielder, likely joining Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. James has struggled with injuries in recent seasons but has been in fine form since making his return to action. Dewsbury-Hall, meanwhile, is enduring a frustrating debut season at Stamford Bridge and will hope to be given another chance to impress.

Palmer hasn’t scored since January

Ahead of them, Cole Palmer will start and hope to end his goal drought. The England international has failed to score in any of his last 17 matches across all competitions.

Forwards

In attack, Maresca could opt to deploy Tyrique George on the right flank. The teenager scored his first Premier League goal against Fulham last month, and has featured regularly in Europe this term.

Through the middle, Nicolas Jackson is set to start after scoring the winner against Everton last time out.

On the left, Jadon Sancho could be given the nod ahead of Pedro Neto.

Predicted XI: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Palmer, Dewsbury-Hall; George, Jackson, Sancho