Eurovision Song Contest 2022 second semi-final odds, predictions & betting tips

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

Where to watch

BBC Three and RTE 2, 8pm Thursday

Best bets

Finland not to qualify
1pt 7-2 Paddy Power

Italy top Big Five
2pts 4-5 Paddy Power

Semi-final preview

Thursday evening's second Eurovision semi-final sees Ireland take to the stage but Brooke has struggled with her vocals on occasions in rehearsals and a somewhat dated song will struggle to qualify.

UK viewers can vote on this semi-final and will get to see a glimpse of Sam Ryder's 'Space Man', which is now third favourite for contest glory.

Sweden are odds-on favourites to win the second semi-final and have an absolute gem of a pop song. Cornelia Jakobs is a magnetic star and her gravelly vocal performance is perfection but elements of the staging look a little cold and they were hampered by technical glitches in rehearsals.

Before pulling the trigger for outright honours on Saturday evening, bettors should wait to see how they fare in this semi-final. It will also be worth watching to see if Sweden can snaffle a second-half draw, as Eurovision favourites Ukraine have been pitched in the first half.

Finland open the show and viewers may recognise The Rasmus from their 2003 hit In the Shadows. There seems to an assumption that because they are well known they will sail through but the song is a poor rock song and being drawn first won't help. Fame didn't help Nicky Byrne (15th) or Darude (last place) emerge from their semi-finals in recent years, so they look worth opposing.

Tuesday's semi offered us a better look at Italy's entry. Mahmood and Blanco's effort is probably the best studio song in the contest and although there are some staging concerns, they seem to be getting their act together.

Italy always improves as the week progresses and an even better performance can be expected in Saturday's final. The top Big Five market looks a match between them and the UK, and Italy look a much more solid proposition at the prices.

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