Matthew Briggs to get a further run out for Fulham

With all the vagaries of the festive period - rest, rotation, injury, etc - one of the things that caught my eye was that John Arne Riise was missing for Fulham. Matthew Briggs was filling in, and that looks set to continue.

Fulham boss explain Riise absence - Fulham FC - Fulham Chronicle

MARTIN Jol has revealed John Arne Riise has been missing from Fulham's starting XI due to a dip in form.

Youngster Matthew Briggs was preferred to the Norwegian at left-back for the home defeat to Swansea last week, with Riise left out of the squad completely for the win at West Brom on New Year's Day.

The 32-year-old will be absent again for tomorrow's FA Cup third round clash with Blackpool after picking up an injury in training...

"Now John's injured and that's another situation. Maybe Briggsy will do well in the next couple of games.

I even noticed because Fulham defenders are traditionally good, if not great, fantasy options. The list included Chris Baird, John Pantsil/Paintsil, Carlos Salcido, and Riise of course.

Briggs has always been a decent fantasy option when he's seen playing time, which has been limited over the last season or so since he has been on the fringes of the first team. He played in the FA Cup against Blackpool, and Riise wasn't even on the bench. So it looks like he's set for another start this weekend, at home against Wigan. If you're looking for pieces to slot in around your Chelsea and Southampton two-gamers, you could probably do worse than Briggs.