The UK and two other banker bets for Eurovision 2014
Published:Having finished in the top 10 at Eurovision only once in the last decade, when Jade Ewan was fifth in 2009, the expectation will not be exceedingly high that Molly Smitten-Downes has a chance of handing the UK a first victory since 1997.
However, at 9/1 for Eurovision victory, the betting suggests Molly is no no-hoper, with the UK taking a change in strategy to that which has proved a failure in recent years.
It is out with the previously famous and in with the unknown and there are some solid factors listed below that suggest Molly can outperform the likes of Blue, Engelbert Humperdinck and Bonnie Tyler.
In fact, we have found three nations that look nicely priced to secure top-10 finishes at Eurovision 2014.
Performing last should always be considered an advantage, even if Ireland finished stone last of 26 from this position at Eurovision 12 months ago.
By being the final act on stage, there is no danger of a performance getting lost in the crowd and it should remain remembered more than most by voters.
Also in the UK’s favour this year is that they follow San Marino, who are destined to be towards the foot of the leaderboard and shouldn’t provide much competition for votes.
It probably is a negative that the song remains unknown to most as it was given a bye straight into the Eurovision final, but it has similarities with Love Shine A Light, which can be no bad thing given that song handed Katrina and the Waves the UK’s last victory in 1997.
If there has been one guarantee at Eurovision in recent years, it is that Azerbaijan have competed towards the top of the leaderboard.
Five successive top-five finishes is a record not to be sniffed at and the use of a soulful singer performing a well-written song should ensure it does well among the jury vote.
Speaking of Azerbaijan, they finished second in 2013 with Farid Mammadov’s performance of ‘Hold Me’. What was most noteworthy of this entry was that the staging was thought out by Fokas Evangelinos.
His input has played a leading role in numerous top-10 Eurovision finishers and Russia has the added benefit of a voting allegiance with nations that were previously a part of the Soviet Union, although their current standoff with the Ukraine may prove a hindrance to their prospects of victory.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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