The Teessiders emerged unscathed from the 1-0 Championship victory over Sheffield United in which summer signing Andy Halliday and full-back Andrew Taylor tasted valuable action after returning from groin injuries.
Strachan could decide to rest some of his key men because of the demands of the league campaign, although loan signing Matthew Kilgallon is likely to figure once again as he looks for full match fitness following an interrupted pre-season with parent club Sunderland.
However, Gary O'Neil (knee) will miss out, as will long-term absentees Seb Hines (ankle), Willo Flood (knee), Kevin Thomson (fractured fibula), Tony McMahon (thigh), Rhys Williams (pelvis) and Jonathan Franks (herniated disc).
