Chelsea face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and Kalou expects a tough game.
“If we can be at least five points ahead of Manchester United by the festive period it will be a good step towards the title,” said Kalou.
“The goal is to be even further ahead by Christmas. There will be other teams challenging but we will see United as our main rivals.
“When you go to a stadium like that and win, it gives you a big boost to win the title. Liverpool have had a bad start, but you can never give up on them.
“They are still a big club with big players. It doesn’t matter about league positions. We have to be ready for a battle.”