"We will have to be ready for Liverpool today - it doesn't look like Arsenal and Chelsea are going to drop a lot of points, and the way it has been going, a little gap has built up between the top three and the rest.
"We can't afford to let those two teams have an advantage over us. It has always been neck-and-neck between us and Arsenal in recent years, and Chelsea are genuine contenders this season.
"We can't afford to drop the points - we have seen both Arsenal and Chelsea go to Liverpool and win. You can sometimes win championships by winning at places like Highbury, Stamford Bridge - and Anfield.
"It's a big game for us in more ways than one. Arsenal and Chelsea are capable of beating any team, and I thought Liverpool were a little bit unlucky against Arsenal because they played very well for half an hour.
"And I think Liverpool are a team that will get better. They have had a couple of injuries and had to integrate a couple of new players and develop a new style of play.
"I felt at the start of the season that they would be genuine contenders and they are now starting to push their way back up the league, as are Newcastle.