Collins was absent through suspension as Alex McLeish got his first win as manager last weekend with a 2-1 win over Peterborough at the City Ground.
The 32-year-old, sent off in the surprise FA Cup defeat at home to Oldham, is expected to go straight back into the team and partner Elliott Ward at centre-half.
McLeish will check on the fitness of striker Dexter Blackstock, who sat out the Posh game after suffering slight knock in training.
The Scot will again be without midfielder Andy Reid and on-loan defender Daniel Ayala (both hamstring) for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Pride Park, while Adlene Guedioura is away on African Cup of Nations duty with Algeria.
