Crouch back in the show (for awhile, at least)

Peter Crouch (tall soccer striker, and fortunate husband to the stunning model formerly known as Abby Clancy until she got married to him), was picked up by Burnley FC at the end of the transfer window. So Crouch, who had been playing with Stoke City (relegated last season), is a premier-time-player again. (Bad attempt at a pun.)

When you look at the Premier League standings, there are three groupings. The top teams/'Big 6' are those with a possible chance to win the league, and also to get into the Champions Cup (top 4) or Europa Cup (5th). Liverpool is a few points ahead of Manchester City in the title chase, while stumbling Chelsea (which lost 4-0 in one of those unique games where they dominated possession but didn't score, and when Burnley got the ball they did score) is only two points ahead of sixth-but-surging Manchester United.

The second group is the "Safe 6". They won't be cup contenders, but they are very unlikely to be relegated. This group includes surprising Wolverhampton, and also Leicester City, which has bravely continued despite the tragic death of their owner. They have between 31 and 35 points in the table.

The third group is the "Endangered 8". These are the teams in danger of relegation, topped by Brighton & Hove Albion with 26 points, and anchored by the beleaguered Huddersfield Town, with only 11. The interesting area here is the three teams with 23 points (Crystal Palace, Southampton, and the aforementioned Burnley), just above the other two relegation zone teams, Cardiff City and Fulham (19 and 17 points, respectively). All of these teams could go down if the odds aren't in their favor. A fixture this weekend between Crystal Palace and Fulham is one that CP would really do well to win to make their odds better.

So good luck Peter, even though somebody with Abby Clancy as a spouse has been lucky already -- I hope Burnley stays in the Premiership.