As Chelsea prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley this weekend, former Blues manager Glenn Hoddle has shared some crucial advice for his old team—along with a warning about what not to do.

Hoddle, who knows a thing or two about big-match tactics, believes Chelsea can turn their underdog status into an advantage. But he's urging them to avoid a common mistake that many teams make against Pep Guardiola's side.

"Too many teams just drop in, their number nine comes so deep and they try to defend, defend, defend," Hoddle explained in comments picked up by FourFourTwo. "I understand that, and that's what will happen, but there are a few things they've got to try to come up with, to try to cause them a problem and make them think. If not, they're going to be in for a tough day."

The key, according to Hoddle, is finding a way to give City something to think about—rather than simply sitting back and hoping to survive. "You're not going to have possession, so they're going to have to come up with something that's going to give City something to think about," he added.

Given Chelsea's defensive struggles this season—especially in recent weeks—relying on a clean sheet feels like a risky strategy. The Blues will need to be bold and creative if they want to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, the managerial rumor mill continues to spin. Xabi Alonso has emerged as the favorite to take over at Stamford Bridge next season, and Liverpool fans are scratching their heads wondering why their club isn't doing everything possible to bring their former midfielder back to Anfield.

For now, though, all eyes are on Wembley. Can Chelsea pull off the upset? Or will City's machine-like precision prove too much? One thing's for sure: Hoddle's advice will be ringing in the ears of every Blues player as they step onto the pitch.