Teddy is on the injured list with a thigh problem and Alan says:
"It is not a major concern because we know it is not a major injury but obviously the length of time it has taken to clear up has been a worry for Teddy as much as us.
"But we don't think anything is going to happen in terms of it escalating; it is just a question of it clearing up in time for him to train well and this Saturday looks unlikely."
That leaves the path clear for Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora to continue their partnership, and Alan adds:
"They know that they are judged by their goals and they are both keen to get goals for us; they had two fine home performances and I thought they were okay on Saturday.
"But I think they can play better and they appreciate that; hopefully they will want to tear it up at Cardiff because when they are on their game they are as good as any pair in the division - and I include the two at Wigan."
Steve Lomas scored West Ham's goal at Plymouth on Saturday and Alan adds:
"He has had another stop-start season for us in terms of getting knocks, but when he is up to speed he is a force in this division and it was nice to see him get on the end of a great ball in from Bobby."
Alan is looking for more goals from midfield, including Nigel Reo-Coker, and he adds:
"I think he is the one we are looking to get on the score board; it would be nice for his confidence levels because he is making some fantastic runs and doing some great things without actually getting a goal next to his name."
Speaking ahead of the Cardiff game, Alan concludes:
"I know they were excellent on Saturday against Leicester and our report reads that they should have won; they absolutely dominated the game, so they are actually stronger than their league form suggests.
"We are under no illusions that it will be a tough game for us, and Jobi McAnuff will be fired up for them!"
Alan is keen to get some more away wins on the board and concludes:
"We feel we should have more points on the board and certainly five more would reflect the performance level but hopefully that will even itself out as the season continues."