Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is starting to sense a challenge to England's established order.Kevin Keegan, the Newcastle boss, has drawn criticism over his controversial statement that the Premier League is boring.
Ferguson is hardly likely to agree with such sentiments given United head into the final day of the season needing a win at Wigan to be certain of securing the title.
With European places still up for grabs and two-thirds of the relegation issue remaining to be resolved, the timing of Keegan's comments has been met with derision.
Yet, if you substitute the word boring for predictable, Ferguson accepts the former England boss has a point given it is 1995 since anyone other than United, Chelsea or Arsenal finished top.
But the Red Devils chief can also feel a growing desire among clubs outside the elite to make the breakthrough.
And, using the impact of Roman Abramovich as an example, he does not believe the top four is going to be a closed shop for long.
"Go back seven or eight years ago and you didn't think Chelsea were going to be a top-four team until Abramovich came in. Change can happen," said Ferguson.
"There is a lot of money floating around the Premier League now and somebody may just take it by the throat and have a real go at it.
"Tottenham will buy a lot of players this year. There is optimism down there now after winning the League Cup.
"There also seems to be a lot of money at Manchester City, £80million I read the other day."
And it is not just at White Hart Lane and Eastlands that Ferguson can see ambition taking hold.
For a while this term, Everton looked like ousting Liverpool from their top-four berth while Aston Villa, backed by owner Randy Lerner, are also moving forward.
"Everton almost got there this season. They were having a great run until they started getting a few injuries, and Aston Villa have had a fantastic year as well," Ferguson continued.
"I have made the point a few times this season that you can see a slight wind of change. There have been more surprise results from the so-called lesser teams against the big teams than before.
"I just think Kevin chose the wrong word. What Kevin is saying is that it is a predictable league at the moment because the top four have been the same top four for the last few years."
Undeniably, this weekend showcases the English game at its most absorbing, with Sky set to show a dramatic title race unfold at the JJB Stadium and Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea entertain Bolton.
With income from overseas TV rights rising, the Premier League can back up its claim of being the most exciting competition in the world, even if some of the quality is questionable.
"I don't think it is a failing league," said Ferguson.
"People abroad love the Premier League. That is why it is sold all over the world. Without doubt it is the most exciting league.
"Then you see us and Chelsea in the Champions League Final and Liverpool is the semi-final as well. You cannot deny the quality."
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