Portsmouth relaxed over finding friendly opposition ahead of Oxford play-off

The Blues have been eyeing a warm-up clash against Brighton, amongst others, having not been in match action for more than three months amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Seagulls’ Premier League campaign recommences against Arsenal a week today, though, meaning the window to arrange a clash with Graham Potter's men is narrowing.

The Championship also restarts on the same day, so a clash with the likes of Reading or Brentford – teams who fall within the government’s recommended 90-minute radius – may also need to be organised in the coming days.

Pompey’s play-off semi-final first leg against Oxford has been set for Friday, July 3, which gives them three weeks to organise games.

The U’s, meanwhile, are scheduled to face an unnamed Championship side today.

But even when the top flight gets back under way, Jackett feels clubs will still require friendlies to ensure fringe players get the minutes under their belts.

Blues boss Kenny Jackett said: ‘Looking at the players, their fitness levels are higher than at the start of pre-season and that is good news.

‘The Premier League and the Championship will be playing in their competitive leagues a week Saturday so it does (narrow the window).

‘But particularly Premier League clubs, they have big squads and will want some games for let's say the back-up players.

‘You just have to wait and see. It's not like a normal pre-season that you have experience of, you have to adapt as you go along.’

Pompey could also seek a clash against a National League club. Their season is set to be decided by an unweighted points-per-game formula, with promotion and relegation still applying.

As a result, Barrow will be crowned champions and there will be a six-team play-off for the remaining spot in League Two.

Special dispensation may be needed should the time to travel to games take more than 90 minutes, however.