Who will win Eurovision 2023? France's odds cut to 9/1 after rehearsal

• France cut from 17/1 to 9/1

• Sweden still odds-on favourites

• Odds say UK faces difficult night

The odds on France winning the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool next Saturday were cut after the first round of rehearsals for this year's competition.

The final will take place in the English city on Saturday 13 May and the French are one of a small band of countries who are expected to be in contention for the prize.

They have shortened to 9/1 from 17/1 following a rehearsal that impressed those listening.

France are one of the Eurovision's most successful competitors, having won the contest five times.

Sweden firm favourites

That's one fewer than Sweden 8/13, the odds-on favourites to win in Liverpool this year, who are bidding to equal Ireland's record seven victories.

Finland 15/8 are next in the betting as they try to deny their neighbours.

If the market has it right then those two are going head to head for the glass microphone in front of a sell-out crowd.

Is UK underestimated?

UK fans are eagerly anticipating the final, after they stepped in to host the contest, due to the continuing conflict in Ukraine 12/1 (who won last year in Italy).

But the market makes worrying reading for the UK as they are all the way out at 45/1.

You never wanted to see the Eurovision hosts humiliated but, in the first rehearsal, Mae Muller failed to convince punters she should be closer to the favourites with her performance of 'I Wrote A Song'.

Last year, the UK came second - their best performance since 1997 - and fans were hoping they could go one better this time.

The dream is fading and, unless Muller can produce a surprise, those who wanted the UK to win are in for a disappointment.

Mind you, our Eurovision expert takes a more optimistic view and says: "There are ingredients there for a potential UK gamble."

Read Rob Furber's ultimate betting guide to Eurovision 2023.