City travel to Tyneside tomorrow as one of the form teams of the Premier League, while in contrast, Newcastle's inconsistencies has left Howe baffled.
He said this morning: "We're looking forward to the match. We have a lot to prove to ourselves after the last couple of away games in the Premier League. We're desperately keen to try to put that right.
"It's a really tough fixture, we know Manchester City's qualities, but we want a raucous St James' Park. The home support this season has been incredible and we've played well at home too.
"Regardless of results, you have something to prove every game. I want the players to respond this weekend - everyone is hurt by those two away games we had, no one more than myself. We've been looking deep into everything we do and planned and plotted a route ahead."
Indeed, Howe admits such preparation will be crucial with the Christmas programme now looming. The Toon manager conceding the next 4-6 weeks could be decisive in their Premier League campaign.
"This is going to be our busiest time of the season, relentless over the Christmas period, and that's when we need all of the players who are currently working their way back to fitness, ideally back, so we have a full, healthy squad to share the burden in the coming weeks."
Careful with Hall
Howe admits he's delighted knowing Lewis Hall is again available. The wing-back saw action with England U21s this past week, though Howe insists his return from long-term injury will still need to be managed.
He said, "Lew is a very driven human being. For someone so young, he's got a great mentality and wants to play, make a difference and help his team. He's got standout qualities and we've really missed them since he's been injured.
We've had to be really careful with him and try to get him back on the pitch when he's close to 100 per cent fit, and that gives him the best chance of staying fit. Especially with the schedule coming up, we're going to have to manage him some times, but he's a real talent."
Asked for another update on the fitness of summer signing Yoane Wissa, Howe continued: "He's working well. He's not back training with us yet but he's close. He's working with the sports science team and almost entering a pre-season with them currently.
"He's done a lot of work, he's looked good and looked better with every session. He's close to training with us but before he gets to there it's difficult to give you a return date."
England pair now close
On the injury recovery of Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon, Howe revealed both England players were now close to a return.
On fullback Livramento, Howe said: "He is very close. He has trained in the break. It is great to see and have him back.
"He has been out a while, his injury was serious enough we treat him right. He is in pretty good shape.
"He is an outstanding player, he has the technical qualities, together with Lewis Hall, I am really pleased to have them both potentially available."
And on winger Gordon, he added: "Ant is very close. He has worked very hard over the break. He is touch-and-go for the game, and we will make a decision on him today."