Premier League Darts

Simon Whitlock v Gerwyn Price

Gerwyn Price admitted last week that he’s hated his first experience in the Premier League, and it’s easy to understand why. Just two draws from eight matches, an average a full three points lower than the next worse, and only 11 180s from 83 legs played. It’s been a tough learning experience. With elimination now confirmed, it’s hard to make a call in the match market – how much motivation will he have? Or will the release of pressure bring out his best game?

I’m inclined to lean towards the latter – especially since Whitlock’s wins in the Premier League this season came in weeks 1, 2 and 3. The Aussie did beat Price at the weekend in a Player Championship event, but they have shared the honours over six meetings in the past two years.

1pt Gerywn Price +2.5 Legs on the Handicap at 5/6 (General)

1pt Gerwyn Price to win 7-5 at 9/1 (BetVictor)

Raymond van Barneveld v Michael Smith

Both players are sure to progress, but there remains everything to play for – especially for Barney who needs to keep a check with the top four positions to put himself into a good position to reach the finals night.

We have been following a broadly unprofitable approach of opposing Michael Smith in recent weeks, which while disappointing, does continue to feel to be right approach. He simply isn’t as good as results suggest recently, and van Barneveld should be a good favourite in this one.  He’s generally an 11/8 shot to win tonight – a result which would put him just a couple of points behind Smith in the table and give him a great chance of progression.

1pt van Barneveld to beat Smith at 11/8

1pt van Barneveld to win 7-4 at 7/1 (Bet Victor)

Gary Anderson v Rob Cross

Likely to be the highlight of the night, Anderson has been playing some great darts since recovering his form, and he comes into this one as one of the few men on tour to have dominated Rob Cross. The Scot has won all five of their meetings, winning 34 legs to Cross’ 19. It’s been dominant to say the least and he beat him 6-0 at the Players Championship event in Barnsley in March.

Anderson has lost just twice in 32 matches now, a run stretching back into February and one of those reversals was to Michael van Gerwen. He’s been immense recently, and holding the darts to start with gives him the edge in this one.  Cross is no mug though, and we’d expect this match to be won on the throw, so try backing Anderson to win 7-4 at 7/1

1pt Anderson to win 7-4 at 7/1 (BetVictor)

Mensur Suljovic v Michael van Gerwen

We mentioned motivation earlier on, and there is a slight case to be made for Mensur Suljovic in this match up for that very reason. Of course MvG is the far better player, and of course he should be favourite, but is Suljovic really a 10/1 shot on such a short format?

The Austrian needs to win or draw to avoid elimination tonight, and coming into this with a  4-8 h2h record with MvG suggests he could have an outside chance. The Dutchman knows he doesn’t need to win, and would it be outrageous to suggest he’d rather keep Suljovic in the game at the expense of Peter Wright? I know who I’d rather end up playing in the semi-finals that’s for sure.

At the prices, the Suljovic bet has to make sense – he’s 10/1!!!

0.5pts Suljovic to beat MvG at 10/1 (Betfair)

Daryl Gurney v Peter Wright

Finally, Daryl Gurney has lost just twice in the Premier League this season – a great result for the Northern Irishman, and wins in his last two matches have ensured he is safely through. Having reached the semi-finals of the German Darts Grand Prix on Monday, and beaten Rob Cross in the Premier League last week, his confidence must be high right now, so odds of 2/1 have to appeal.

Chuck in his form over Wright (four wins in a row now over the last 6 months) and the fact that Wright doesn’t appear to be at the races in the Premier League right now, and surely we have a bet? Probably, but we should remember that Wright averaged 102.5, 108.8 and 100.1 in three of his Grand Prix games at the weekend, and lost in the final to MvG. All achieved with another new set of darts…..

On balance, the 2/1 looks worth backing. Gurney should also dominate in the 180s stakes – he’s hit 37 so far this tournament, compared to just 17 for Peter Wright. That sort of scoring power has been a huge weapon for Gurney so back him to hit the most 180s in this one at 5/6.

1pt Gurney to beat Wright at 2/1 (Betfair)

3pts Gurney to hit most 180s at 5/6 (General)

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