Newcastle, which have been hit hard by injuries, will be looking to bounce back after their EFL Cup semifinal first-leg defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.
On rotations, Howe said this morning: "It is always a delicate balancing act, how many changes do you make? The gap between Man City and Wolves gives us the chance to freshen things up.
"Wolves are unlucky not to have more points. This such an important game and we can't take anything for granted."
'Snarling' Joelinton
Howe admits the return to full fitness of midfielder Joelinton has been key to their form in recent weeks. The manager says the Brazilian is a genuine leader for Newcastle.
He continued: "He's such an important player for us. When you see him at his snarling, aggressive best, that's when Joe is in his best mental place. There's a fine line and he's got to stay ahead of that - we don't want to see him sent off - but he plays with that edge to his game when he's at his best.
"We've seen a really solid return from him since he's come back from his last injury, he and we had to patient, but we seen his qualities and how important he is to the team. When he's there we look a better team."
Meanwhile, Howe also commented on the progress of winger Anthony Elanga. The manager concedes the Swede has been inconsistent so far this term.
"I think Anthony will be fine, he's an incredible professional. My big wish is that he plays in an environment where he feels free to express himself. There's no denying his abilities or the qualities he can bring to the team. He'll need a bit of time to find his best form but I'm confident he'll get there."
Injury latest
Reflecting on their injury-list, Howe admits they're short of numbers as the queue to the medical room continues to grow.
On Tino Livramento's hamstring setback, he said: "A lot of frustration for Tino because the injuries have come out of the blue, there's been no reason for them necessarily.
"He's very willing and athletic, and puts a lot of energy into each performance. I'm desperately disappointed for him and for us because he's such an important player."
Asked about Jacob Murphy's fitness, Howe continued: "Jacob's had another scan and again, nothing showing, so it's a strange one, but of course you have to go on the symptoms and how the player feels. So I'm sure that will mean a period when Jacob has to come out, for how long I don't know, but we're very thankful it's not a serious problem.
"Will (Osula) will hopefully be training imminently. Dan (Burn) is improving, he's running, which is a really good thing. His fitness will be OK, that won't be an issue, it'll just be managing the pain of his injury. He looks in good shape, it's just the top end pain when he's fully sprinting, so hopefully not long."
January plans
Given the injury situation, Howe again commented on their January market plans. The Toon manager has been open about the need to add to his defensive options for the second-half of the season.
He considered: "When you go through the season we are having you need the resilient qualities to dig deep. We need to keep the machine moving forward.
"It is very fluid at the moment. We are still in that watching or holding pattern and we will see what happens in the next few weeks.
"All options are available to us."