Djurgården return to domestic action after a gruelling night in the Conference League on Thursday that saw them edge past Rapid Wien in extra time to set up a dream tie with Chelsea in the Conference League semi-finals. While the occasion marked a historic milestone for the Stockholm side, it may come at a cost as they now face a quick turnaround with a stretched squad and tired legs.

Two more key injuries were picked up midweek, with both Fallenius and Zugelj likely to miss out. Their absence further limits an already thin attacking unit that has struggled for fluency in the league. While Djurgården did manage to score four against Rapid, it’s worth noting that the Austrians played almost two hours with a man down, and one of the goals came from the penalty spot.

Fatigue is a growing concern for the hosts, and it remains to be seen if they can maintain their usual high-octane, high-press style at home with such a limited and worn-down squad. The Djurgården squad has been pushed to its limits lately, with the Stockholm side continuing to play Conference League matches during the Allsvenskan off-season. In their 5 matches since the league restarted, Djurgården are scoring just 0.6 goals per game, not including extra-time goals against Rapid. They have conceded a rate of 1 goal per game from an average xG concession of 1.19. Their expected goals is averaging at 1.72 per match, indicating a severe underperformance in front of goal. Their 2 goals in normal time against Rapid on Thursday was the first time across these 5 matches they have managed to score more than once.

GAIS, meanwhile, will likely relish the chance to frustrate. The Gothenburg outfit are a physical and disciplined side, known for sitting deep and breaking up play effectively. Their likely approach here will be to dig in, defend their box, and try to nick something on the counter or from set pieces. They have much the fresher squad, given they have only played 3 times to Djurgården's 5. In these 3 games, GAIS are averaging 1 goal per game from 1.06 xG, and have conceded 0.67 goals per game from 1.45 average xG.

Djurgården’s physical and emotional exertions, coupled with GAIS’s grind-it-out mentality, make this a strong candidate for a low-scoring affair, especially if the expected attacking absentees for the home side are confirmed. Djurgården are consistently underperforming in front of goal, while GAIS are doing a good job of not allowing opponents' chances to be converted in their first three games back.

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