Dragons head into their January 26 showdown having lost both their games in the LV=Cup this season and off the back of two tight defeats in Europe, while they sit second from bottom in the RaboDirect PRO12.
Nimmo damaged his cruciate knee ligaments in December and was expected to be gone for ten weeks only to appear on the bench for last week's Challenge Cup match with London Wasps - five weeks ahead of schedule.
And champing at the bit to make his way back into the side, Nimmo, who joined the Dragons from Cornish Pirates at the start of the season, insists the freedom of the cup could get his side back on track.
"It is a bit refreshing to be in another cup competition, a chance to get a fresh start and hopefully find that winning habit," he said.
"It is ramped up that little bit being a derby and if we came out of it with a win I think it could really shift some momentum into our season - psychologically it would be very handy for us.
"I am pretty desperate to get back in there. I always joked with the physios that I am like Wolverine with my healing and they didn't believe me until I came back so quickly from this injury.
"I am not a professional rugby player because I enjoy training; I play purely for the enjoyment of the game so I only ever want to be on the pitch.
"I told our coach that I don't have time to be injured, the days are too long and it is too much hard work so I really hope I can get in and try to help the team get on course."
Having joined from a Championship side, Nimmo admits the step up to the top flight has been both tough and rewarding.
But with Newport in dire need of a win the 27-year-old claims some old-fashioned lower-league grit could be what is required to get the points on the board.
"My experience has been mainly in the lower leagues but I have played in finals and other pressure situations so that is helpful in the team," he added.
"It is a bit more free-flowing in Pro12 but I would have liked to have played in our Christmas games because I think they were in need of someone cooling it down.
"I'd like to think I could bring in a bit of grit to get some control and stability and while it is nice playing good rugby, we need wins."
To see the Welsh derby live click here for tickets.
