Eurovision Song Contest 2022 first semi-final odds, predictions and betting tips

Eurovision betting odds, best bets and analysis for the first Eurovision Song Contest semi-final on Tuesday.

Where to watch

BBC Three, 8pm Tuesday

Best bets

Latvia top Baltic
2pts 9-4 general

Iceland to qualify for final
1pt 6-4 general

Iceland top Nordic
0.5pt 66-1 bet365

Semi-final preview

As trivial as it may seem, no televisual event could unite Europe more than the Eurovision, and no event may show as much support to Ukraine as this year's Song Contest.

Ukraine take to the stage on Tuesday in semi-final one having been punted into odds-on favouritism in the Eurovision betting. The expectation is that they will sail to victory on a wave of televote support but it remains to be seen if that will be the case on Saturday night.

Will the public vote for Ukraine, or will they vote for their favourite song? The betting movements following Tuesday's semi-final may give us some clue ahead of Saturday’s extravaganza.

The first semi-final is very weak and quotes of 1-2 about Ukraine qualifying for the final are right. Their song is not the best but it is still competitive and the staging looked excellent in rehearsals.

Of Tuesday's contestants, Latvia have seen plenty of support to qualify in recent days. They bring a polished pop performance with a wonderful stage show and excellent vocals. While it’s a little gimmicky, it is on the right side of fun and could easily outperform its odds.

A best-priced 4-6 to qualify, the best way to support Latvia is to back them to be top Baltic nation in what is an effective match with Estonia. The Estonian entry has struggled with its stage show in rehearsals and may not stand out enough to justify early market expectations.

Iceland look underrated as a qualifying prospect. Their Icelandic country-folk number is charming and the staging works extremely well with the three women exuding an endearing chemistry.

With Denmark and Norway also voting in Tuesday's semi-final, they should do enough to get over the line from a good draw in stall 14 of 17. Backing them to qualify at 6-4 looks a decent wager and they could give punters a decent run for their money at much bigger odds in the top Nordic market.

Ireland take part in Thursday’s second semi-final and that is the semi-final United Kingdom viewers can vote on.

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