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MEGSON: TOP FOUR COULD BE BROKEN

Megson - side face Fulham on Saturday.

Bolton manager Gary Megson believes the race for a Champions League place will be more open this season.

Historically, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have secured the four spots.

Megson, however, has noted with interest that other clubs, particularly Manchester City, have stated their ambition by spending big money.

For his part he is anxious to lead Bolton back into Europe after a stirring battle to beat the drop in the last campaign.

"In my view the Premier League is now split into three groups," he said ahead of the clash with Fulham tomorrow.

"There are those at the top who are looking to get into the Champions League and that group is going to get bigger and bigger.

"Then you have those sides looking to sneak into Europe and finally the others, whose aim is to be in the top flight the following season."

Bolton have made a steady start and are looking to improve on a dismal record at Craven Cottage.

Fulham also made a remarkable recovery last season under manager Roy Hodgson and against the odds stayed up.

Hodgson has made a host of additions in the summer and Megson said: "He must have one of the biggest squads in the Premier League.

"Roy has done a fantastic job but this is the type of game where we need to get a good result as it is becoming increasingly difficult to get points against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal."

Megson will again be without Johan Elmander (hamstring) and Matt Taylor (broken toe) through injury while Gary Cahill is suspended.

New loan signing Ebi Smolarek scored in midweek for Poland but is not considered ready for a place in the squad.