Steve Bruce will be forced into two changes as Hull City aim for their highest league position since relegation from the Premier League in 2010.
David Stockdale's recall by Fulham leaves a straight choice between goalkeepers Eldin Jakupovic and Ben Amos for the Pride Park clash.
Although Amos was the preferred option before the arrival of Stockdale, it appears Jakupovic is in pole position for a City debut tonight.
Bruce's other dilemma centres on his defence, with son Alex banned for the next three games.
Paul McShane returned to full training yesterday after missing the Huddersfield game with a leg injury, but the fully-fit Abdoulaye Faye could be the favoured choice in a three-man defence flanked by James Chester and Jack Hobbs.
Bruce has no other injury concerns as he prepares for the first of four games inside 12 days, and will hope to see Sone Aluko back for the Boxing Day clash with Leicester City.
Although the Tigers' top scorer will not be considered for tonight's game, encouraging progress in training from his Achilles injury has raised hopes he can return to play a part after Christmas.
Nigel Clough must weigh up whether or not to change a winning side as Derby County chase a third consecutive victory tonight.
Straying from his tried and trusted 4-4-2 shape, a 4-5-1 formation helped the Rams to an overdue away victory at Bristol City last weekend.
That saw top goalscorer Theo Robinson dropped to the bench but Clough will be tempted to revert back to a two-man attack that has seen them lose just one of 11 games at Pride Park. Rookie Michael Jacobs could be the one to make way.
There have been minor injury doubts over several players, with Mark O'Brien (illness), Craig Bryson (knee) and Will Hughes (ankle) all nursed through training.
Clough will hope to see all three fit tonight, but special care will be taken with O'Brien after he started his first game in 11 months at Ashton Gate.
Derby will be without a trio of key players once again.
Centre-back Jake Buxton was last week ruled out for two months with knee ligament damage suffered in a 3-1 win over Leeds, while Jamie Ward remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury collected in October.
Shaun Barker will not play this season after suffering a horrific knee injury in March.
