Odds Review #5: Week Ending 04/02
This past week has seen Ukraine really consolidate their grip on the lead, mainly in anticipation of Vidbir than the performance or confirmation of 'Teresa and Maria'. As much as confidence in the act itself, there's also a reluctance to really take it on. There might be disagreements on the price, but few seem to be making the case against. Norway were the other act to see their favourite come through with 'Ulveham' set for Malmo. They remain fairly static in that 30-50 range where they’ve been hovering.
Spain could perhaps have found themselves in that area should St.Pedro have come through and gathered (false) comparisons to Salvador Sobral. Instead Nebulossa confirm them as non runners effectively. The review of that is coming tomorrow. Malta's choice of Sarah Bonici with 'Loop' has done little to lift them from the bottom of the odds pile but appears a competent effort. I'll be taking a closer look at that having pretty much ignored MESC with the review coming on Tuesday.
Elsewhere the release of The Roop's entry in Lithuania has seen their odds tumble and they'd be advised to overluk them... The UK and Italy have held pretty firm in second and third and Croatia have had a good time of things climbing to 8th.
Israel give us their artist on Tuesday with the three females all seen as possible. All seem strong enough to maintain their position in the odds give or take but the all important song won't accompany them for a while yet.
SanRemo begins on that same Tuesday and will finish off at the weekend. As well as being the highlight of selection season, it's going to be another important result in influencing the odds. I've not seen the same confirmation as last year that all entrants have agreed in advance to go to Malmo should they win but the only contender with a question mark might be Berte. I'm cautiously optimistic on Italy like always and whatever goes will be strong, but I don't have any interest in backing further the current 11s or so. Finland select next Saturday too and will hope to reverse their decline in the odds whilst Latvia will crown Dons the winner in Supernova.
