Chelsea vs Brighton live score, updates, highlights as Welbeck ...

The 2023 Premier League Summer Series kicks off with an eye-catching clash between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion in Philadelphia.

Mauricio Pochettino's side stormed to a 5-0 Florida Cup win over Wrexham on their arrival in the USA, while Brighton are yet to play since the final game of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

Pochettino will be looking to utilise the trip to North America to assess and make changes to his squad ahead of the incoming domestic campaign. The new Chelsea boss admitted after the Wrexham friendly that his squad is too full, and he will be using these friendlies to make key decisions on his depth chart for the season.

Roberto De Zerbi has lost Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool this summer but the Italian is confident of his young team building on their positivity from last season.

The Sporting News will be following the action live and providing updates and highlights from this Premier League Summer Series game.

MORE: Chelsea preseason fixtures, USA summer tour 2023 vs Premier League rivals and Wrexham

Chelsea vs Brighton live score   Score (HT) Goals Chelsea 2 Nkunku (19'),
Mudryk (64') Brighton 1 Welbeck (13')

Starting lineups:

Chelsea (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Kepa (GK) — 34. Gusto, 37. Colwill, 6. Silva (Chalobah, 46'), 21. Chilwell (Cucurella, 46') — 39. Santos (Fernandez, 63'), 30. Chukwuemeka (Casadei, 46'), 23. Gallagher — 17. Sterling (Angelo, 63'), 45. Nkunku (Jackson, 63'), 38. Maatsen (Mudryk, 46').

Brighton (4-2-3-1, right to left): 23. Steele (GK — Verbruggen, 46') — 41. Hinshelwood, 29. Van Hecke (red card, 60'), 4. Webster (Ayari, 53'), 13. Gross — 8. Dahoud (Veltman, 46'), 27. Gilmour (Alzate, 53') — 7. March (Undav, 46'), 14. Lallana (Adingra, 46'), 22. Mitoma (Enciso, 53')  — 18. Welbeck (Pedro, 53').

MORE: Chelsea players sold 2023: List of all outgoing transfers as Blues clean house

Chelsea vs Brighton updates, highlights from USA preseason match Chelsea vs Brighton: Second Half

64th min: GOAL! CHELSEA! Mykahylo Mudryk scores a brilliant goal to put Chelsea in front! He plays two consecutive give-and-go's with Nicolas Jackson, who is only just onto the field, and the Ukrainian finishes it with a low blast!

Brighton make another change as Pascal Gross is withdrawn for Jensen Weir, whose father is the club's technical director.

60th min: RED CARD! BRIGHTON! Jan Paul van Heck was booked a few minutes ago, and now he's been sent off for barging over Cesare Casadei! There's no argument to be had, as he just throws a shoulder into the young Italian midfielder.

With van Heck's early shower, Brighton are down to 10 men, with just two players still on the field from their starting lineup (Jack Hinshelwood and Pascal Gross).

Chelsea make three more changes, as Enzo Fernandez enters for Andrey Santos, while Nicolas Jackson comes on for Christopher Nkunku.

55th min: It takes the Brighton substitutes no time to have an impact, as Joao Pedro receives a through ball to unlock the Chelsea defense, but the angle is closed off and his flick across the face of goal finds nobody.

Moments later, Pedro tries to win a penalty by selling a bump from from Karou Mitoma, but it's a cheap attempt to earn a chance from the spot. Jack Hinshelwood is booked in the aftermath for an earlier foul on Raheem Sterling,

52nd min: Chance, Brighton! Danny Welbeck, already with a goal in this game, nearly grabs another. Karou Mitoma gets into a dangerous position but hesitates and is cut off, so he cuts it back to Welbeck at the penalty spot, but his shot doesn't make it through the forest of defenders. Karou Mitoma also withdrawn.

Moments later, Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku is booked for a foul in midfield. Brighton make another four substitutions, with Joao Pedro entering the field for his first minutes with his new club. Jan Paul van Heck is booked for 

Kickoff: Chelsea make a host of substitutions, as we're used to in preseason friendlies. Mykhaylo Mudryk, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, and Cesare Casadei enter the pitch. Italian midfielder Casadei, who finished as top goal scorer in this summer's U-21 World Cup, was excellent against Wrexham, but will now get a bigger test.

Brighton also make three changes, with Deniz Undav and Simon Adingra enter the pitch, while first half standout Mahmoud Dahoud is withdrawn for Joel Veltman. Bart Verbruggen takes over in goal for Jason Steele.

HALFTIME: Chelsea 1-1 Brighton

Chelsea may have won their opening preseason fixture 5-0, but they've found this one much more difficult. Brighton controlled much of the first half, and while Chelsea had chances and got a goal, they had a lot of defending to do as well.

Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill were the positives from a Blues standpoint, but the midfield struggled. Brighton were boosted by positive attacking play from Karou Mitoma and Danny Welbeck, who navigated space in the Chelsea penalty area extremely well. New Brighton signing Mahmoud Dahoud controlled the midfield.

Chelsea vs Brighton: First Half

44th min: Levi Colwill's long balls have been incisive all half, and they cause Brighton problems again as he feeds Ben Chilwell cutting in from the left. It forces Jason Steele out off his line, and the moment is nervy for Brighton as he doesn't communicate well with his defence, but Solly March does enough to keep Chilwell from getting a shot off.

Four minutes of added time shown to make up for the goals and the hydration break.

Colwill's long passing is exceptional. It could be a huge asset to Chelsea next season.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 22, 2023

42nd min: Chance, Brighton! Kepa Arrizabalaga with a double save! The first was the one of real quality, as Pascal Gross feeds Danny Welbeck, who was again left completely unmarked from about 10 yards out. Brighton get the ball back off the rebound and recycle, but Karou Mitoma's effort is weak and saved down low. Brighton are pressuring the Chelsea back line well!

40th min: Chance, Chelsea! Now it's Chelsea's turn to build forward with good intent, as Carney Chukwuemeka feeds Christopher Nkunku in the 18-yard box, but he can't keep possession under pressure from the Brighton defence.

The real chance comes moments later as Chelsea get it back and drive forward again, and Raheem Sterling's cross just barely evades Ian Maatsen on the doorstep, who should have made contact but appeared to be put off by the whiff from Jack Hinshelwood.

37th min: Chelsea turn the ball over in their own defensive third and it results in a shot for Solly March, but his hit is weak from the distance he takes aim from, and Kepa Arrizabalaga has it easily.

March is then booked for a tackle on Ben Chilwell to cut down a counter attack, picking up the game's first yellow card.

31st min: There's a real pace to the game now, back and forth, but neither side can put together a final ball. Danny Welbeck looks to cross on the end line just left of the goal mouth, but can't keep it in play.

Mauricio Pochettino may have made a slight tactical tweak during the drinks break.

Chelsea are in a 4-5-1 without possession.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 22, 2023

23rd min: The drinks break has arrived as both sides have a chat with their manager and get hydrated. It's 82 degrees in Philadelphia, which is much less intense than it was in Chapel Hill a few days ago, but still warm and humid enough to see the officials give them a pause.

Both managers are very demonstrative on the touchlines, and Mauricio Pochettino take a long time to issue animated instructions to his Chelsea players. The referees have to work hard to get them the Blues back on the field to continue play.

19th min: GOAL! Chelsea! Christopher Nkunu levels the score with a messy equaliser! After Brighton turn the ball over in the attacking third, Chelsea go the length of the pitch, although not exactly with pace. Carney Chukwuemeka does well to play a one-two with Ian Maatsen, and while his shot was saved by Jason Steele, the rebound comes back to Nkunku on the doorstep.

It's a clumsy finish from the former RB Leipzig striker, as the ball just kind of bundles in off his ankle, but it still counts!

Watch in USA:

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 22, 2023

16th min: Boy, Danny Welbeck nearly had another of very similar style, but his whipped scissor effort is straight into the grasp of Kepa Arrizabalaga. It came off another feed to Welbeck from the right side nearly on the end line, this time via a cutback. Chelsea not dealing well with the Brighton striker centrally.

13th min: GOAL! Brighton! Danny Welbeck with a fabulous finish for the first goal of the Premier League Summer Series! Off a short corner routine, Chelsea did not deal with the eventual deep delivery from the left, and Karou Mitoma does extremely well to get around Malo Gusto and head the ball centrally. Welbeck then provides a ferocious finish, roofing it from just outside the top of the six-yard box.

Watch in USA:

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 22, 2023

10th min: Christopher Nkunku has been far more active up front today than he was against Wrexham. He's winning the ball in advanced positions on both flanks, and providing an aerial threat in possession as well. Good to see progression from match to match with his integration into the squad.

Raheem Sterling takes a shot straight into Jason Steele's chest that's negated for offside in the buildup.

Christopher Nkunku showed great strength shrugging off Adam Webster. When you see him up close, you can see the power in the legs.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 22, 2023

6th min: Chelsea are pressing very high and causing Brighton some problems in possession. They're giving it away often, although not yet in a terribly dangerous position. Brighton counter with a high press of their own. Quite the press battle at the moment, defenders under a lot of pressure on the ball.

2nd min: Ian Maatsen, who scored two against Wrexham, lets rip from outside the top of the penalty area but sees his shot go narrowly wide. Replay shows there was a deflection to take it around the post, but the referee does not give a corner, instead Brighton are given a goal kick.

Kickoff: Here we go! Brighton are beginning their preseason schedule, with their first match of the summer, while Chelsea are in their second game of the warmup period. It will be interesting to see how much each team has shaken off the rust given the slight disparity in that regard.

Cool view for Chelsea Vs Brighton pic.twitter.com/sWNSXRet8v

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 22, 2023 Chelsea vs Brighton: Pre-match commentary, analysis, stats, and more

10 mins to kick: After being outnumbered by Wrexham fans in Chapel Hill, Chelsea fans are in full voice ahead of this match in Philly!

Blue is the Color ???????? pic.twitter.com/bbeVwHpnfL

— Nicholas Mendola (@NicholasMendola) July 22, 2023

30 mins to kick: Chelsea debuted their new blue home kit last friendly against Wrexham, featuring gold lettering and an iridescent badge that appeared to shimmer at different angles. They'll wear similar threads tonight, also blue but with white lettering.

The Chelsea shirt notably features no front-of-shirt sponsor after their proposed deal with broadcaster Paramount+ was blocked by the Premier League.

Chelsea threads. ????#BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/xsMRu4GhrJ

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 22, 2023

42 mins to kick: Brighton's lineup has also been released, and two names are notably absent. New signing Joao Pedro has yet to make his debut this summer, while transfer-rumoured Moises Caicedo does not appear in the midfield. Instead, 18-year-old Jack Hinshelwood is deployed, a young midfielder who joined the club's youth setup when he was just seven years old.

Lewis Dunk is not in the squad as he is rested due to a slight injury.

Albion have arrived for #CHEBHA! ???????? pic.twitter.com/QVNp2u1Ugf

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 22, 2023

52 mins to kick: The Chelsea lineup is in. The Blues see two-goal hero Ian Maatsen awarded a start for the second straight match, after his brace got things going against Wrexham a few days ago. Levi Colwill starts in defence alongside Thiago Silva, while Christopher Nkunku is up front, with Nicolas Jackson sat on the bench despite a good performance in Chapel Hill.

1 hour to kick: Brighton and Chelsea players are quite familiar with each other. Marc Cucurella arrived from Brighton last summer, Levi Colwill was on loan with the Seagulls last year, and the staffs are surely familiar given the closeness of the personnel over the past few seasons.

Brighton and Chelsea mingling before warms ups pic.twitter.com/jIHo4tRtMj

— Nicholas Mendola (@NicholasMendola) July 22, 2023

1 hour 15 mins to kick: A position to watch for Chelsea this preseason is striker. With Christopher Nkunku arrived this summer, he appears to have the starting spot nailed down simply on pedigree, but he was invisible for much of the friendly against Wrexham before scoring a last-gasp goal at the death.

Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, was influential during his first-half appearance, and the 22-year-old might be able to force his way into the squad with a few more showings of similar calibre. Kai Havertz departed this summer for Arsenal, while Romelu Lukaku appears on his way out of the club, and Armando Broja is still recovering from an ACL tear, but the position remains crowded at the moment.

There's also the rumors of a deal for Mohammed Kudus of Ajax too, which could further muddy the striker position.

Christopher Nkunku and Mauricio Pochettino. ???? pic.twitter.com/zl69b2i4HN

— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) July 22, 2023

1 hour 30 mins to kick: There's a very special visitor at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia! The Premier League trophy is on hand for the Premier League Summer Series triple-header. While Chelsea and Brighton meet up this evening, there's two more matches tomorrow with Fulham vs Brentford and Newcastle vs Aston Villa.

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 22, 2023

1 hour 45 mins to kick: Mauricio Pochettino stated after the friendly against Wrexham midweek that his squad is too bloated. "We have too many players we need to test," Poch said in his post-match press conference. He tried to hedge that a bit, saying "I don't see it as a problem," but the message is clear.

It's a stark challenge to the players that there aren't many minutes to go around this preseason, which means there isn't much room for error as they hope to win roster spots. That's especially tough on the young players, but it could also bleed into the first-team squad if there are simply too many players for given spots.

— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 21, 2023

2 hours to kickoff: New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is keeping it cool ahead of facing Brighton but the Argentinian knows the task ahead this season will be HUGE. Can he revive Chelsea in 2023/24?

Chelsea in sunglasses. ????#BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/OmOrkpaxB2

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2023 Chelsea vs Brighton predicted lineups

Pochettino is looking to step up his squad's preparations ahead of the new campaign and he will go with a strong starting XI against the Seagulls, with summer signings Nicolas Jackson and Andrey Santos thought to retain their place in the lineup after positive performances against Wrexham a few days prior.

Santos does earn the spot, but Jackson is withdrawn for fellow new signing Christopher Nkunku who is given the start up front.

Chelsea confirmed starting lineup (4-3-3): Kepa (GK) — Gusto, Colwill, Silva, Chilwell  — Santos, Chukwuemeka, Gallagher — Sterling, Nkunku, Maatsen.

De Zerbi was expected to bring in more new faces in the coming weeks but Joao Pedro has yet to make his debut after joining from Watford, not in today's starting lineup.

Moises Caicedo is not deployed as rumours of his departure continue to swirl, but he could be utilised off the bench. In his place in midfield starts 18-year-old Jack Hinshelwood, a Brighton youth product after joining the club at seven years old. The youngster only made his first-team debut for the club this past May.

Brighton projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Steele (GK) — Hiinshelwood, Van Hecke, Webster, Gross — Gilmour, Dahoud — March, Lallana, Mitoma — Welbeck. What time is Chelsea vs Brighton kickoff?

This preseason friendly takes place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and kicks off on Saturday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:

  Date Kickoff time USA Sat, Jul 22 7:00 p.m. ET Canada Sat, Jul 22 7:00 p.m. ET UK Sun, Jul 23 12:00 a.m. BST Australia Sun, Jul 23 9:00 a.m. AEST India Sun, Jul 23 4:30 a.m. IST Hong Kong Sun, Jul 23 7:00 a.m. HKT Malaysia Sun, Jul 23 7:00 a.m. MYT Singapore Sun, Jul 23 7:00 a.m. SGT New Zealand Sun, Jul 23 11:00 a.m. NZST Chelsea vs Brighton live stream, TV channel   TV channel Streaming USA — Peacock UK Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event Sky GO Australia  — — Canada  — Fubo TV Canada India  — — Malaysia Astro SuperSport 3 Astro GO, sooka New Zealand — — Singapore 221 Hub Premier 1 — Hong Kong Now Premier League 1 (Ch. 620-621) NOW Player