Derby were beaten 2-1 at home last Friday against Hull, the only side to beat Derby at Pride Park this season other than the Clarets, and Clough is looking for a response from his players after believing they should have got something from that game.
"It's all about how we respond now and the players shouldn't be downbeat going into the Christmas programme," he said. "We ended our troubles away from home earlier this month at Bristol City, so we will go into the two away games (at Burnley and Charlton) in a different frame of mind because of that victory.
"The lads were disappointed after the game on Friday and we felt for them because they'd done enough to get something out of it, but if you're going to lose then we would rather lose playing well.
"We will settle for that sort of performance between now and the end of the season and their heads should certainly not drop at all. We were pleased with the performance of the players, but it was just disappointing to play as well as we did and lose to the only two shots they had on target."
Clough, reflecting on previous games against Burnley, added: "We've not had the rub of the green against Burnley in the past, but we've ended various bad runs in the last 18 months or so at various places and we'll try and do exactly the same again. It doesn't come into our thinking too much to be honest that we haven't beaten them for a while and nor should it.
"Boxing Day matches always have a special feel to them and there's no reason why we can't go there and get a result, none at all.
"Sean Dyche is a manager we have a lot of respect for and he has done well in his short time at Burnley, so they'll be a very competitive opponent. They're a genuine and competitive side, like ourselves in some ways, so it'll be a good game up at Turf Moor."
Dyche is very much looking to see Burnley find a first home win since that double he had at the start of his tenure against Wolves and Leeds, but remains surprised there have not been more wins since he became Burnley boss.
"The belief system we are putting in place for the players is there for all to see," he said. "I have independent people who come and watch us because I value their feedback of them expressing what they think of the team.
"You don't want to get too carried away with the positives, but it's fair to say that everyone who comes to watch us gives us plenty. They are scratching their heads, as we are, but it's about finding that clinical edge and making sure games are won.
"We can't even leave a glimmer and at the moment we are flummoxed that we haven't got more points. I think we are good value for at least another four, maybe six, but our time will come, that's for sure."
Having given his squad the day off on Christmas Day, he added: "We have spoken to the players and we have monitors to make sure they are recovering and looking after themselves. We will be ready, make no mistake.
"I feel for our fans because they have been exceptional, but they are seeing good performances from a highly motivated group of players.
"It won't be easy on Boxing Day and Derby are a decent side, make no mistake. I have total respect for Nigel Clough. He was someone who, when I was at Forest as a young man, was unbelievably respectful to everyone there.
"He is at a club where he has had to cut his cloth accordingly and be careful with the money, so I have a lot of time for Nigel, just not for the ninety minutes on Wednesday."