A win for Newcastle at St Mary’s would see them, at least temporarily, move into third place following an excellent October that saw them drop just two points from their six games played.
Howe has been able to name a settled side for most of that run, but with Joelinton receiving a suspension for picking up five yellow cards, and with players like Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin slowly returning to full fitness, the Magpies head coach will have one or two big calls to make when he names his side to face the Saints.
But will either of these two be given the nod by Howe? Or will a more tried and tested starting side be named?
Here, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting side that Howe could select to face Southampton on Sunday:
5. LB: Dan Burn
Burn’s form is keeping Matt Targett, who himself has done very little wrong in a Newcastle United shirt, out of the starting side. Burn did very well against Villa last weekend and will look to continue this momentum on the south coast on Sunday. Photo: George Wood
6. CM: Sean Longstaff
Longstaff has been back to his very best recently and is the engine in the midfield three that allows his teammates to shine alongside him. Photo: Stu Forster
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian has had a quiet couple of games, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been outstanding in the middle of the park - it’s just that others around him are beginning to shine. Southampton was where Bruno truly introduced himself to Newcastle after scoring a stunning backheeled goal. Photo: Stu Forster
8. CM: Joe Willock
Willock interchanged well with Joelinton on the left against Villa and is growing into his role in the midfield three. There is no doubt he will want to impress in this role again as competition for places really begins to heat up. Photo: Ian MacNicol