Derby were left choked on Saturday when Sheffield United bagged a late equaliser to deny Nigel Clough’s side at Bramall Lane.
Hughton is mindful of Derby’s battling qualities after being held to a 0-0 draw over the festive period at Gallowgate.
He said: “They will be lifted by the result they got in their last game at Pride Park against Forest and they will have the belief they can pull off another big result.
“I’m expecting it to be tough, there will be a full house at Derby and they won’t be making it easy.
“We’ve got to harden ourselves to that though because this is what it will be like in the run-in from here on in.
“They will all be difficult because now we are not only looking for the victories to keep us where we want to be, but the factor that every team wants to beat us this season is also still very much against us.
“What we have to show is the same willingness that we have all season to go out and chalk up wins. I don’t expect Forest and West Brom to lose many games.
“And if they aren’t losing that means we have to keep on winning enough matches.”
Hughton was impressed by his centre-back pairing Mike Williamson and Fitz Hall on Friday and could stick with the duo at Derby.
Wayne Routledge is also expected to start but Hughton must decide in attack on whether Lovenkrands has done enough to get the nod over new boy Leon Best and join Carroll in the starting line-up, while Ameobi must see where he stands at Pride Park.
Meanwhile, it is understood that teenage Faroe Isles young gun Joan Simun Edmunsson will be eased through the club’s youth ranks and reserve team set-up after signing from B68.
It has also been confirmed that Corbridge-born Graham Carr has been appointed as chief scout at St James’ Park. He was formerly with Manchester City and Notts County.
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