Malta should likely qualify from SF2 but will be long out of the running by grand final night most likely. From the usual combination of bookies and fansites Armenia are favourites to win, with Sweden and Denmark on the coattails. I don't see the dull Swedish entry doing well (I figure it will fizzle out similar to 'La Voix' in 2009) but Denmark's Bruno Mars pish will go big in the room and will probably elevate to top five. My favourite this year is Norway, which should have a solid top ten placing. Ukraine will do well and has political sympathy in its favour.
For those who dabble in this sort of thing, backing the UK at 1.96 (Betfair) for top ten is a good shout, although odds are short as most Eurovision bets are. I'd advise taking a punt at Russia to not qualify from SF1 but at 1.6 it doesn't represent good value (I was able to lay Russia a couple of months ago at a shade under 2.0).
I'll most likely get a ribbing for this but I fly out to Copenhagen on Monday for Eurovision week. We're taking a Saltire with us so keep your eyes peeled if you're watching!
