The London-born goalkeeper has only featured the once competitively for the Blues, coming in the first month of 2022 against Chesterfield in the FA Cup.

We spoke to him at our Abu Dhabi base to get his thoughts on the Academy contingent with us in the Middle East and his mentality heading into the clash with Unai Emery’s side…

On the Abu Dhabi training camp…

‘It’s been good. Whenever you come away to warmer weather, it is always a good feeling, and it feels a little bit like a break from everyday life at Cobham.

‘It has been great watching the World Cup at the same time, watching the boys perform.’

On the Academy lads…

12 of the 25-man squad are players from our Academy, with some experiencing life within the first-team for the first time.

Bettinelli says it has been a good time to get to know them better both on and off the pitch.

‘With the younger lads, we’re getting to know them better and we’re trying to improve them, which is so rewarding. It has been a great week all round,’ he said.

There are three goalkeepers on this trip with Kepa and youngster Eddie Beach making up the trio, and Marcus is hoping he can get some minutes between the sticks this afternoon.

On the chance to impress…

‘For the last two seasons, minutes have been few and far between for me. I am looking forward to the match today. It is only a friendly, but it is still Aston Villa, and a fresh chance to show the manager what you can do personally,’ he said.

‘We’re really looking forward to it. It should be a good day, so let’s finish the week with a positive result.’

Watch the game live on The 5th Stand app or Chelsea's official website on Sunday. Kick-off is 2.10pm UK time (6.10pm local) and the live stream is available to viewers in the UK, Ireland and Indonesia.