Portsmouth to compete against Manchester City, Roma and Benfica in Leyton Orient's UltimateQuaranTeam FIFA tournament

With all Premier League and EFL matches suspended until Friday, April 3, at the earliest, it means there’s not going down to Fratton Park for Pompey supporters any time soon.

And with Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing on Monday that there’s to be no mass gatherings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it wouldn’t be a major shock if that's extended further.

Pompey themselves are in staying away from training until they can be tested for coronavirus, with testing kits proving difficult to come by.

Meanwhile, self-isolation and working from home for contingents of supporters, just like Kenny Jackett and his troops, means fans are having to turn to re-runs if they’re to watch the beautiful game.

There are, obviously, video games that will also help occupy this spare time, with FIFA 20 being one such option.

And it appears Pompey have got themselves a place at the table of a brand new world-wide competition that looks set to fill the void left by the suspension of real-life league games.

A mass gathering in some respects, but not one that will fall foul of the government’s advice!

Devised by Leyton Orient, the aim is to host a multi-team tournament named UltimateQuaranTeam.

It’s a play of words on the mode Ultimate Team in the game that enables you build teams using any players from all the leagues.

Orient are asking people to donate via a JustGiving page, where 75 per cent of the funds raised will go to EFL clubs and the remaining 25 per cent will be split between mental health charity MIND and the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fundraiser by the World Health Organisation. They want to raise £50,000.

The plan was to have 64 clubs involved. However, it proved so popular that it was extended to 128 teams, with sides from 18 countries now involved.

One of those is Pompey and it will be Waterlooville lad Daniel Skeggs who’ll be holding the control pad on behalf of the Blues.

The 21-year-old is an Ultimate Team trading expert, with his videos on streaming websites Youtube and Twitch generating thousands of views.

Skeggs won’t be in charge of his own Ultimate Team in this case, though.

Instead he’ll step into the shoes of Kenny Jackett and his Blues troops, responsible for what happens on and off the pitch when the competition begins in earnest.

Pompey will find out tonight who they’ll meet in the opening round.

It means the Blues could be pitted against the likes of Manchester City, AS Roma or RB Salzburg in the newly-formed tournament.

That’d be tall order if they do, however, as Jackett's men are only rated a two-star team on the game.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS.