Adi Hutter attends the press conference for Eintract Frankfurt's Europa League semi-final, first leg against Chelsea. EPA
Adi Hutter attends the press conference for Eintract Frankfurt's Europa League semi-final, first leg against Chelsea. EPA
Adi Hutter attends the press conference for Eintract Frankfurt's Europa League semi-final, first leg against Chelsea. EPA
Adi Hutter attends the press conference for Eintract Frankfurt's Europa League semi-final, first leg against Chelsea. EPA

Europa League: Chelsea a 'class above' but Eintracht Frankfurt are ready, insists Adi Hutter


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Eintracht Frankfurt manager Adi Hutter said his side are the Ajax of the Europa League ahead of Thursday's semi-final, first leg against "favourites" Chelsea.

Frankfurt, currently fourth in the German Bundesliga, have eliminated a number of big clubs en route to a first European semi-final in nearly 40 years, including Marseille, Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk and Benfica.

But Hutter believes his team face another big step up in quality against Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea, who he described as a "class above".

"They are favourites, there is no doubt about it," Hutter during Wednesday's news conference. "We need to do everything right, and play bravely and positively."

The Frankfurt manager said he had a plan to deal with Chelsea, and identified Belgian star Eden Hazard as the biggest threat.

"We will have to try and play him out of the game, because he is one of the three best wingers in the world in my opinion," Hutter said.

Yet he also warned that Chelsea were an Uefa "Champions League level team" who had quality all over the pitch.

"With players like David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gonzalo Higuain, they have an unbelievable amount of experience," he said. "We are the most inexperienced team in the semi-finals, but we deserve to be here nonetheless."

Frankfurt have won hearts across Europe with their fearless football and passionate support in the Europa League this season.

"We are like Ajax in the Champions League, nobody expected us to be in the semi-finals ahead of the season," Hetter said. "It has been a long, hard road to get here, and the fans have given us incredible support."

Frankfurt's Serbian midfielder Mijat Gacinovic also said his team were underdogs, but could pull off a surprise on Thursday with the fans behind them.

"I watch a lot of Premier League football on TV and Chelsea are one of the best teams in the world for me," he said. "But with our fans, we can beat anyone."

Gacinovic, 24, is something of a cup specialist. He scored the decisive goal in Frankfurt's German Cup final win over Bayern Munich last season, and has notched up two goals and six assists in this season's Europa League campaign.

The Serbian is expected to start on Thursday, as Croatian attacking midfielder Ante Rebic is serving a one-game suspension.

Frankfurt are also without injured French striker Sebastien Haller, and having won none of their last three Bundesliga games, there are concerns that Hutter's side may be running out of steam.

"We have to be fresh and alert against an opponent like this," Gacinovic said. "The coach always says that everything is in your head, and if you are fresh up there, your body will be fresh too. We won't be tired tomorrow."

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Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

While you're here
RESULT

Fifth ODI, at Headingley

England 351/9
Pakistan 297
England win by 54 runs (win series 4-0)

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Three trading apps to try

Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

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  • Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
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Dust storm

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What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.