Eddie Howe is refusing to get caught up in talk that Newcastle United are in the race for Europe.
The Newcastle chief is eager to maintain focus on a weekly basis but knows that in-form Fulham - who are just four points behind his team - are a threat in this season's shake-up at the top. Fulham have won every game they've played since the World Cup.
When asked if Fulham may join Newcastle in the race for a European spot, Howe said: "I've always said I don't think we're in a race, but I'd include them in whatever bracket you want to include teams in. They've been consistently good and four wins in a row is very difficult to do in the Premier League."
Fulham warmed up for their trip to Toon with a 2-1 derby night victory against their local rivals Chelsea on Thursday night at Craven Cottage. Howe was an interested observer as the game was beamed out on BT Sport.
Howe said: "They beat a top-quality team the other night and when you have that form and momentum - as we have ourselves as well, I feel - sometimes you can be very difficult to stop, so I think it's going to be down to us to be at our very best, as I felt we were against Leicester in our last game. We need to hit those heights again."
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