AFC Bournemouth
The Black Cats sit at the foot of the Premier League table, having not won yet in the league this campaign.
Despite David Moyes' side's start to the season, the Cherries boss was keen to emphasise that it will not be a straightforward encounter.
"The Premier League is an extremely difficult league," Howe started.
"There are no easy games, this will be no different. We'll face a tough game this weekend.
"Things change week on week - Sunderland have an experienced manager and a good squad of players so there will definitely be no underestimation from us."
Howe's men head into Saturday's clash having kept three clean sheets in the last four games at home, earning the 6-1 win over Hull City in the process.
That home form has been the foundation to the club currently sitting in tenth in the Premier League table, but Howe was keen to not put a limit on his side's achievements when asked if they will finish in the top ten.
"We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves but it is pleasing," he continued.
"We don't want to put a ceiling on what we can achieve, we are thinking big. We want to be positive and attach every game.
"There's some real quality in our squad but it is still early days."
