AFC Bournemouth
Despite creating a number of chances against both Middlesbrough and Sunderland, both games yielded defeats for the Cherries.
The fact that such clear cut opportunities were created remains a positive for the manager however, and he feels the squad is relishing the challenge they will face at the Bet365.com Stadium.
"Our focus during the international breaks is to turn into a better team than when we left, so hopefully we can show that," Howe explained.
"How we've scored one in three I do not know, we created a number of good opportunities against both Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
"But those statistics will change if we continue to do the right things. Everybody's perception is that the result is be all and end all, and I understand that. But there were elements of the last two games that we deserved more from.
"We go there with confidence and we are relishing the challenge."
The Cherries face the Potters for the third time in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, experiencing defeat in both encounters last season.
But the manager is keen to learn from those games and get his side back on track this weekend.
"The game last year away from home was tight and it was a tough afternoon," Howe continued.
"We lost Callum and it was tough early into the season. The home game wasn't a great performance from us, but we can look back and learn from both of those games.
"It's up to us to prove that with results, it feels like it's been a long two weeks for us champing at the bit to play."
Watch all of the manager's pre-match press conference below on Cherries Player HD. Click here for more video content.
