Middlesbrough emerge as early favourites for FIFA 20 Ultimate Quaran-Team tournament - ahead of Newcastle and Sunderland

The online tournament was set-up by Leyton Orient's media team after the regular football season was suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

A total of 128 clubs signed up for the competition, with matches being streamed live on social media.

Boro are being represented by FIFA player Danny Taylor, who progressed to the second round of the event with a 3-0 win over Huddersfield on Monday.

Since the start of the tournament, Boro’s odds have fallen from 33/1 to 3/1 with bookmakers SkyBet, with French clubs Nantes and Angers also among the favourites.

Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson said: “Middlesbrough's Championship campaign this season has been pretty miserable, but in the e-sports sphere, fans may still be given something to shout about.

“The Ultimate Quaran-Team is absolutely packed full of top class FIFA talent, but Boro representative Danny Taylor will be looking to justify his favouritism and bring the virtual trophy back to the Riverside.”

Boro’s North East neighbours Newcastle and Sunderland can be backed at 12/1 and 14/1 respectively.

The second round of the tournament will get under way on Tuesday evening, with Taylor set to play his next match against Walsall on Wednesday.

Orient have set-up a JustGiving page. Money raised will go towards helping cash-strapped EFL clubs as well as the MIND charity and research into Covid-19.

A club statement added: “We ask you to join us in a fundraising campaign that could have some real-world consequences.”