The Reds would leapfrog Newcastle at the top of the Championship, for a few hours at least, if they win by a three-goal margin in the early kick-off at Pride Park.
Derby are also desperate for the points to edge themselves away from the relegation zone.
It will be Davies' first return to Pride Park since his departure as Rams boss in November 2007. The Scot missed the FA Cup tie between the two sides last season as his son was ill in hospital.
He said: "It's my first time back so I am looking forward to it but Saturday is quite simple for me - it's just three points.
"People can make of it what they like but for me it's just another three points and nothing more. That's how I feel about it. No matter what has happened by the end of the game, that's all it is for either side."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk