Newcastle host Spurs on the back of a superb 4-1 win at Everton and can make it three league wins on the bounce against the Londoners. In contrast, Spurs go to St James' Park on the back of a defeat at home to Fulham.
Asked about knocking out Tottenham from the League Cup, Howe said: "That was a tough game and this one will be no different.
"They have a few players back from that game and they have a strong squad and a very good manager.
"We always felt during some difficult runs that the league is very tight and a consistent run of victories can propel you up the league.
"A couple of wins and we are back to where we want to be so it is a really key time because we can't become detached. We really need a run of games where we get positive results."
Rotation on the cards
Newcastle's victory at Everton was a triumph of the squad's depth, with Howe forced to rotate due to last week's Champions League commitments and also certain injury concerns.
He also said this morning: "We said all along this year that it is very much going to be a squad effort that gets us through this season. We have tried to manage the squad effectively through the last games and we get a lot of information from the sports science team.
"After West Ham and Brentford we had to pick a team who was physically ready to execute the game and that is what I will be looking for going forward.
"When we are very good in that respect, we are very difficult to play against. With the game schedule we have, fresh players on the pitch are one thing but physically the players are going to have to dig deep this season."
Staying grounded
Asked if after back-to-back victories in the Premier League it shows Newcastle are getting back to their best, Howe was eager to keep things low-key.
"The last two league performances have been us. I am reluctant to say we are back but I think we are moving in the right direction," he said.
The manager was particularly pleased with Nick Woltemade's goal at Everton.
"That was one of my favourite goals of his so far. I think the finish was on but very few players could execute it in the manner he does."
Also pleasing for Howe was the performance of Anthony Elanga, with many suggesting it was the Sweden winger's best in a Toon shirt.
The summer signing from Nottingham Forest is now approaching the type of form which convinced Newcastle to splash out on him.
Howe stated: "The first transition of the game right from kick off was him running the full length of the pitch.
"It is a big change for any player but it was a big step forward in terms of getting used to the demands of being a Newcastle player."
Howe also admits Malick Thiaw is now an attacking weapon for Newcastle. The Germany defender scored twice at Everton and Howe says he will also be utilised from set-pieces tomorrow night against Tottenham.
He added: "It is an interesting one with Malick because he has got his head on our set plays quite a bit but hadn't put the finishing touches to it in the way he did it on Saturday. The importance of set play goals wins or loses you games."
Wissa latest
And before signing off, Howe delivered another update on summer signing Yoane Wissa, as he works his way back from knee injury.
And the manager delivered an exciting update for Toon fans: "He participated in an 11v11 training game while we were at Everton. He will have another one this week and we will see how he is."