Brighton travel to the City Ground on Saturday for a game that could have a huge bearing on a top-six finish with one point and two places separating the hosts from their visitors.
And both side could not be in more confident mood after signing off for the international break with impressive wins, the Reds at Hull and the Seagulls against big rivals Crystal Palace.
"We have eight games against some tough teams, starting with Nottingham Forest on Saturday," said Calderon.
"You have to be in with a chance with maybe five games left, not necessarily in the top six but seventh or eighth.
"For me we are better this year. We are more prepared to push for the play-offs so we will see what happens."
Gus Poyet will be in charge of Brighton after rejecting the chance to become the new Reading boss while opposite number Billy Davies has been likened to Sir Alex Ferguson by Forest owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi.
If I was a dictator I would not bring Billy into my club because he doesn't like people to interfere, he is a strong manager. He is doing his job and I am doing my job. We are doing the right things together.
"It was difficult when it started. There was no consistency so we changed to another manager and another until we got the right one."