The Magpies head to St. Mary's in fine form, having made it 15 games Premier League games unbeaten with Saturday's goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
Defensively, too, United have been outstanding recently - they are the first top flight side for over 20 years to go 16 games without conceding in the first half, while Nick Pope has kept nine consecutive clean sheets.
Howe is hoping that his side can continue in such a strong vein with only the Saints standing between them and a first Wembley cup final in 24 years, and Newcastle's head coach wants his charges to thrive under the spotlight as they bid to make history.
He spoke to the media on Monday morning at Newcastle's Benton training base - here are some of the main talking points from his pre-match media briefing:
On the first leg being away from home, meaning the decisive second will be at St. James' Park next week...
"To be honest, just being in the semi-final was all we cared about. Beating Leicester was our big priority and then you just take whatever's in front of you. We'll take how it's panned out.
"We know what we've got to do. It's very tough to deliver that - these are going to be two really, really difficult games for us. We're under no illusions of that, and starting with the away leg will be very difficult.
"I'm sure it will be a really good atmosphere. It's always a tough place to play, but we look forward to the challenge and we try to embrace the pressure that we face and try to get the players to enjoy what's ahead."
On Southampton, who are bottom of the Premier League but have improved under Nathan Jones in recent weeks, and the differences between their new manager's style and his predecessor Ralph Hasenhutl's...
"Subtle differences, not (a) huge transition. I think Ralph had his way of playing and Nathan has his. They are subtle differences but as I say, not drastic changes.
"Nathan I admire greatly as a manager. I think he's done very, very well in his career, looking at his time at Luton and what a job he did. He's now gone to a new club and is looking to implement his ideas there.
"We know with the new manager and new players coming in that it's a different challenge to the one we faced under Ralph. I think with the cup game as well, it's a chance for both teams to get away from the Premier League and the pressures that brings, and that will be an interesting dynamic going into these two games."
On being part of Newcastle's second ever semi-final in the competition and the desire within the camp...
"We're delighted to be where we are, but the semi-final itself isn't enough. I don't think it's enough for anybody. I think you go into these games and to say you got to a semi-final means nothing, ultimately. You want to get one step further and I know the players feel the same way. Me and my coaching team feel passionately about it that we want to make the final, but we have to navigate these two games. They're going to be very difficult."
On the prospect of the tie from a fans' perspective...
"I think we want it to be a tie for the supporters. The only way we can guarantee that is by performing at our best. I think the away game will be a really good spectacle for the fans that travel. It's on telly, so everyone will get a chance to watch the game, and then the home game will be a very, very special night I think.
"Our job is to make sure we're in a good position going into that tie. We're desperate for the next step, but we have to take our mind off that really and focus on the process and the job, and the job is to go to Southampton and perform well."
On making it 15 league games unbeaten at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening...
"I'm really proud of the group, everyone - staff, players - for being as consistent as we have been. This league is so difficult, but it takes one off-day to end that like that. To go 15 games is a hugely satisfying achievement.
"I think the disappointing thing is after the game on Saturday, it didn't feel that way - it felt like a defeat, because I think the expectations are so high internally, externally, and we're very motivated as a group, that we were just disappointed with the actual result, not necessarily the performance.
"I think we need to keep perspective at all times of how well the players are doing, and make sure they don't feel any burden or any negativity going into a totally difference shift in focus."
