Chelsea starting line-up confirmed as Mauricio Pochettino hands Levi Colwill start versus Brighton

Chelsea take on Brighton in their first Premier League Summer Series match of the US tour in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field

Mauricio Pochettino has named Levi Colwill in his starting lineup to take on Brighton on Saturday evening in Philadelpia. The Blues defender only returned to training with Chelsea's first team at the beginning of the week having enjoyed European under-21 success with England after finishing his loan with the Seagulls.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged that he would like to see Levi Colwill in his team next season, as well as Moises Caicedo who remains of interest to the west London side. The Ecuador international does not.

Pochettino suggested that he would continue to rely on his youngster stars while protecting his players to ensure his full squad arrives to the Liverpool game ready to take on the Premier League season. However, his selection appears to be more experienced on this occasion.

Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal in place Jamie Cumming, with Malo Gusto being the only member of the back four to retain their place in the starting lineup. Thiago Silva comes into the team after feeling unwell against Wrexham, with Colwill and Ben Chilwell finishing off the backline.

Andrey Santos keeps his place in midfield as Conor Gallagher replaces Cesare Casadei with Carney Chuwuemeka appearing to take a more advanced role once again.

Ian Maatsen keeps his place after scoring a first half brace in North Caroline, while Christopher Nkunku leads the forward line following his strike. Raheem Sterling will provide support from the right flank.

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Santos, Gallagher, Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Maatsen, Nkunku.

Subs: Bergstrom, Cumming; Chalobah, Humphreys, Gilchrist, Cucurella; Casadei, Hall, Enzo; Moreira, Mudryk, Burstow, Angelo, Jackson.