"We have had a good first half to the season, but that's all it is," Benítez said.
"If we can do the same over the rest of the campaign then we will have a chance, but there are still lots of games to play and lots of points up for grabs before we can start talking about what the end of the season may bring.
"We have had a few disappointing setbacks this season, particularly at Anfield, but we have also shown we can compete with and beat the best in the country, so there's every reason to be confident as we look forward to 2009."