Enzo Maresca has to bench Nicolas Jackson as tough Cole Palmer Chelsea decision made

Chelsea have the opportunity to take an enormous step into the Conference League final on Thursday evening as the Blues head to Sweden in the first leg of the semi-final.

Djurgarden, who are based in Stockholm, stand in the way of the west Londoners and a place in next month's final in Wroclaw. The Swedish side are 11th in Allsvenskan, with unsurprisingly going into Thursday night's match as overwhelming favourites. The Blues have dominated this competition since the start, scoring 33 goals in the 10 matches they have played while conceding only eight.

While it is a European semi-final, something that should never be taken too much for granted, there is a balancing act is looking to do given Chelsea's Premier League duties as well. Recently-crowned champions Liverpool come to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, less than 72 hours after the Blues play in Stockholm - meaning there could be numerous changes from the Chelsea head coach in his two line-ups.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

In goal, is expected to start in Sweden, the country of his birth despite the goalkeeper representing Denmark at international level. Jorgensen represented Malmo, around 300 miles from Stockholm, before he made the move to Spain to join Mallorca and then Villarreal prior to his transfer to Chelsea last summer.

At right-back, whether or not will be fit remains to be seen, but given it was a hamstring problem he suffered against Fulham around 10 days ago, you would think he would miss this one. If so, Josh Acheampong could be asked to do a job at right-back and move inside while his team have possession to form somewhat of a back three. Acheampong did a fine job in the last away trip in Europe against Legia Warsaw and will be looking to continue his form during his breakthrough season at senior level.

could replace , while does the same with as Maresca looks ahead to the Liverpool clash on Sunday. is one of the only real options Maresca has on the left-hand side of defence unless he puts Acheampong there and Chalobah starts on the right.

did not start on Saturday against Everton so everything points towards the Chelsea captain coming back into the XI for the trip to Sweden. Maresca could look to rest both and , while is not in the Conference League squad. has been an ever-present figure in the European run this season and could take his place in midfield in Sweden.

Perhaps a spot on the right wing for as Maresca looks to give Chelsea's No.20 some much-needed confidence. Palmer is now without a goal for the Blues in 17 matches across all competitions and is in desperate need for something to give in the final third. could slot in at No.10 with on the left.

should be rested given the magnitude of the match at the weekend. Not only this, but Tyrique George deserves a start and considering how well the 19-year-old has done in the No.9 role in recent games, why not use him in Stockholm? We should see Marc Guiu before the end of the season but the Spaniard is unlikely to be back for this one.

Possible Chelsea line-up: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Dewsbury-Hall; Palmer, Nkunku, Sancho; George.