World Matchplay Darts 2017

Sometimes a bet is just so obvious that you just cut straight to the chase, and spit it straight out. Michael van Gerwen will surely be crowned the World Matchplay Champion next week. That's our view, and we'll be rolling out our biggest bet to date on this one.

So without further ado, here's why,

Since his coming of age season in 2013, he has never looked back. He reached four finals (winning two) from the 10 major events, and kicked on into 2014 by reaching five (winning three), but it was 2015 when he really took over the world.

Since winning the 2015 Masters, MvG has reached the final in 20 of the last 21 major tournaments he has entered. He's gone on to win 17 of those finals, so to see the Dutchman at only a fraction of odds-on really makes no sense at all.

In pretty much any major, MvG would be a solid bet at these odds, but the fact that this is the World Matchplay makes it stronger than usual. The first round is played in a straight leg format - best of 19, and that only stretches as the tournament progresses - best of 21 in Round 2, before best of 31, best of 33 and best of 35 in the final. Over this sort of format, upsets really do go out of the window, and it's no surprise to see that 15 of the last 17 renewals have been won by either Phil Taylor or MvG. The Dutchman has won the last two.

So we'll waste no more time and recommend a maximum TEN point bet on MvG to win this at 4/5. The price is with Sporting Odds, and will surely go, but 8/11 with loads of firms is equally acceptable.

10pts Michael van Gerwen to win the World Matchplay at 4/5.