United will play three away games in seven days with trips to Southampton, Chelsea and Everton to come before a sixteen day break.
Goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar were enough to secure all three points against Brighton on Saturday - a result that extended their unbeaten run to eight games and put the Magpies seven points above the relegation zone.
Newcastle’s good form means that despite having players like Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruno Guimaraes and captain Jamaal Lascelles on the bench, there is little need for Howe to make wholesale changes to his starting side.
So what might Newcastle’s team look like on Thursday evening on the south coast? Here, we take a look at the side Howe could select to start at St Mary’s in our predicted line-up:
Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and let us know there.
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Dubravka has been rarely troubled in recent times and despite not securing another clean sheet on Saturday, his consistency behind a stronger defence is helping Newcastle United’s improved defensive displays. Photo: Stu Forster
2. RB: Javi Manquillo
Emil Krafth has done little wrong but Marc Cucurella did give him a few scares at the weekend. With three games in four days, Manquillo could be welcomed back into the fold as Howe rotates his squad. Photo: Stu Forster
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar was once again very solid at the back and he even managed to grab a goal against the Seagulls. Alongside Burn, Schar is proving to be an invaluable member of the squad at the moment. Photo: Stu Forster
4. CB: Dan Burn
Burn put in yet another commanding display against his old side at the weekend and his performances week in and week out are rightly keeping club captain Jamaal Lascelles out of the starting side. Photo: Stu Forster