Kevin Kilbane is expected to return to the Derby squad for the clash with the leaders.
The left-sided player has missed the Rams' last four league matches with a hamstring problem, with his last appearance coming in the 2-0 defeat at Midlands rivals Coventry on September 10.
The injury also ruled Kilbane out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Andorra and Armenia.
The 34-year-old played the full 90 minutes as the Rams reserves lost 4-3 to rivals Nottingham Forest at Belper Town's Christchurch Meadow on Wednesday evening.
However, Jamie Ward is a doubt after pulling out of the Northern Ireland squad with a hamstring injury. The problem forced the attacker off towards the end of the 4-0 defeat at Leicester prior to the international break.
Nathan Tyson is closing in on a return from a groin injury. This game, and the trip to Reading on Tuesday, will come too soon for the forward but he could come back into the reckoning when the Rams travel to Middlesbrough next weekend.
Lee Barnard could be added to the Southampton squad for the first time this season after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.
Dan Harding and Radhi Jaidi (both knee) are also back in training and available, so fellow defender Dan Seaborne, who suffered head injuries in an assault outside a nightclub last month, is the only injury absentee.
Veteran striker David Connolly was rested against Watford last time out and could return.
