The Magpies are the leaders of this division and have been going steady on their way back to the Premiership.
 
However, they are winless in 5 (3 Championship) on the road, and are of somewhat a shaky defense of late.
 
Derby on the other hand maybe struggling towards the bottom of the table, but are 7-1-6 at home, and the last and are doing well of late. They even beat Nottingham Forest in their last home game, and it was Forest’s 1st defeat on the road all season.
 
Derby lost only once (away to Plymouth) in their last 6 in all competitions, and in the weekend they once again proved to be tough opposition against another promotion hopefuls; Sheffield Utd. Derby took the lead in the 17th minute and Sheffield only managed to equalize in the last minute of the game.
 
Furthermore, Derby did earn a point through a goalless draw at Newcastle earlier this season, and in the 2007-08 season they played Newcastle in EPL, winning at home and drawing away also.
 
Derby may have David Martin ready for the game. He is their new signing from Millwall. Also Lee Croft is fit again and could be handed a starting role.
 
The Magpies are welcoming back Alan Smith, but both Nicky Butt and Fabricio Coloccini are out injured.
 
I’d say Derby have a better chance to win here than their guests and the odds force me to side by the home side.
 
Pick:
 
Derby +0.5 A.H. @ 1.93 w/ Pinnacle