Liverpool FC's Dirk Kuyt _320
He said: "It is great to be top of the league. We have had a good first half of the season but there is still another really important half to play.
"At the moment it is not necessary to talk about the league title. You can talk as much as you want but if you are not at the top at the end then it does not matter. It is better just to keep focused and concentrated on your next game."
There is the prospect, too, that Xabi Alonso will be fit to be involved at Stoke.
The midfielder had seven stitches in a damaged foot after the win at Preston, but although still swollen, there is no further damage.
The Spaniard has been in training this week using special footwear, and he has an outside chance of being fit for the match, although a more realistic target is the league derby with Everton on January 19.
