Newcastle hold a commanding 6-1 aggregate lead after last week's dominant first-leg display in Azerbaijan, their biggest-ever European win. Yet Howe made it clear there will be no complacency.

"We'll look at the squad and try to pick a strong team," he said. "We want to win the game, that's the first target. In some senses we want to keep a good rhythm with the players."

The head coach also delivered encouraging injury news. Defender Sven Botman, who has missed three matches with a back problem, and forward Yoane Wissa, sidelined with a "nasty" knock, both returned to training.

"We hope they'll be involved," Howe said. "We'll see how they are when they wake up tomorrow, but fingers crossed they will be."

However, Bruno Guimaraes and Tino Livramento remain out with hamstring injuries, while Lewis Miley (thigh), Emil Krafth (knee) and Fabian Schar (ankle) are also sidelined.

Howe stressed the importance of maintaining momentum despite Saturday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester City.

"It's a delicate balance between rotating the squad and making sure everyone's fresh and also making sure players don't lose rhythm and we don't lose the good feeling we've had," he explained. "The atmosphere around the squad has been really strong in the last few weeks. We're ready for tomorrow's game."

Reflecting on the 6-1 first-leg triumph, inspired by four first-half goals from Anthony Gordon, Howe said: "A lot was made of the result but for me it was the performance and the hunger we showed. That's the level I want us to try and attain as often as possible."

Qualification for the last 16 remains the clear objective. "[It's] something we spoke about before the competition started - that was our initial target," Howe added. "But we've still got to win tomorrow's game and that's what we'll focus on."

Eddie Howe eyes silverware as Newcastle prepare for crucial cup clash