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

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

Where to watch

BBC4, 8pm Thursday

Best bets

Portugal to win semi-final two
0.5pt 66-1 Betfred

Albania top-ten finish
0.5pt 25-1 general

Denmark top Scandinavian performer
1pt 14-1 general

Semi-final preview

Thursday's second Eurovision semi-final sees 17 acts take to the stage in an effort to secure just ten qualifying berths.

The betting suggests it is wide open with Switzerland, Iceland and Bulgaria all vying for favouritism. All have their charms, but also their flaws so it may pay to look outside of the obvious in this heat.

Portugal bring a smokey blues number to the contest which stands out as a point of difference from their semi-final opposition. Being drawn 12th is not bad either as the subtleties of their performance will be highlighted coming after Albania.

Experienced performers, stage presence and wonderful raspy vocals will ensure strong jury support and if the Portuguese act can resonate with televoters then it may emerge from the chasing pack to become a contender. Reports from rehearsals are encouraging and if a Eurovision song can gain impetus heading into the semi-final you never know where that can lead.

The aforementioned Albania bring an old fashioned Adriatic ballad, belted out at the top of her lungs by the wonderful Anxhela.

This song would have sounded dated in the 1990s and are unlikely to be working their way on to your Spotify playlists. However, the vocals are so impressive that there is a chance it could rank highly with juries.

If it manages that and somehow made the top 20 with televoters, it will have a chance of a top-ten finish in the Grand Final on Saturday. Quotes of 25-1 about that eventuality are too big to ignore.

Denmark bring a nostalgic 1980s number to the contest that may not be for everyone but it is undeniably fun and very catchy.

The Danes are 6-4 to qualify and if they make it through then the 14-1 about them being the top Scandinavian performer on Saturday night may look like good business.

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