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:
9. RW: Miguel Almiron
Almiron is undroppable at the minute and will be aiming to continue the momentum he has garnered from a stunning October. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
10. ST: Callum Wilson
Wilson did his England chances no harm at the weekend with a brace against Villa in-front of the England manager. He will be hoping to add to his tally of six strikes for the season at St Mary’s on Sunday. Photo: Stu Forster
11. LW: Jacob Murphy
Although Murphy had to settle for a place on the bench against Villa, he was electric when introduced into proceedings. Allan Saint-Maximin’s recovery from injury is seemingly on-track but Murphy’s cameo last week has probably earned him a reintroduction into the starting side. Photo: George Wood