The Premier League Darts heads to Liverpool this week and although James Wade sits out of proceedings, there are still five terrific tungsten ties to enjoy.
Wade sits out after playing twice when Robert Thornton missed out through illness, so the Thorn steps onto the oche twice, to try and improve his current situation, which sees him looking destined for relegation.
Still, there is still time so expect an improved showing on recent weeks and as always, the Betfred Blog are taking a look through the fixtures to find a five-fold that qualifies for our Acca Insurance!
Michael Smith v Robert Thornton – Draw @ 7/2
The Premier League’s bottom two meet each other in Liverpool, as bottom of the table Robert Thornton takes on ninth place Michael Smith in the opener.
Smith missed last week, having played twice in Leeds, while Thornton failed to add to his solitary point – which came during a 6-6 draw with Peter Wright – as he failed to match James Wade in the latter stages, eventually losing 7-4.
It was still a step in the right direction as he improved greatly on recent weeks, averaging 101.35 with four 180s, although his 4/11 record on doubles is where he was let down yet again.
Still, the fact he was putting himself in the position to pick up plenty of legs will act as a slight confidence booster ahead of the tie with Smith and it looks as though it is going to be crucial in-terms of both men’s relegation battles.
With this in mind and the likely increased pressure that will clearly arise, it may be worth chancing the draw at a nice price, to really start the evening in style.
Both men have had problems with their finishing, yet have the ability to power-score, so get set for an intriguing battle with the draw looking a value play at 7/2.
Gary Anderson v Dave Chisnall – Anderson to win @ 8/13
Gary Anderson has not reached his brilliant best so far in the competition but he looks solid value to beat a rather regressive Dave Chisnall. After opening with a 7-0 win over Robert Thornton, Chizzy has failed to pick up another win, with his only other point coming courtesy of a 6-6 draw with fellow struggler Michael Smith.
There is no questioning Chizzy’s tremendous ability but his failure to hit his finishes has seen him become embroiled in a real relegation scrap, with the man from St Helens throwing away a 3-2 lead, with the throw, to eventually go down 7-4 to Barney last week.
He only managed to get 4/12 on the doubles and he will have to improve this week and although Anderson has failed to scale the heights, which has seen him land back-to-back World Championships, he has still been grinding out victories.
He doesn’t panic under pressure which is paramount in many Premier League situations and he has a fantastic record against Chizzy, winning nine of his last eleven games, including his last four.
The pair met in last year’s semi-final, where Anderson bounced back from a seemingly impossible position to win 10-9 and momentum is firmly with the Flying Scotsman, so he looks a useful addition to the multiple.
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld – van Barneveld to win @ 7/4
Adrian Lewis has proved a very frustrating player to follow, as despite his immense talent, he is often held back by rather inconsistent performances.
Last week looked a real opportunity for The Jackpot to push a fairly out-of-sorts Gary Anderson all the way but despite the Flying Scotsman’s slack finishing (7/20) he was let off the hook by Lewis, who could only muster a 93 average and 4/13 on the doubles.
His task doesn’t look to be getting any easier, as he tackles a resurgent Raymond van Barneveld this week, after the Dutchman put in a big performance against Chizzy.
Barney averaged 104.9, hit four 180s and a memorable 161 checkout during his 7-4 win and this must ensure he heads to Merseyside with plenty of confidence.
He hit seven from sixteen attempts at a double and looked in imperious form, with a barrage of 140s to go with his prolific maximum scoring. He looked at ease and this could be enough to rattle Lewis early on, which could easily effect his throw.
Lewis has only won two of his last ten Premier League ties with Barney, as the Dutchman has come out on top in six of those, so could the Dutchman be value as the underdog this week?
He is available at 7/4 so it could be worth sticking with Barney carrying on his good form this week at a price which acts as a real boost to the multiple.
Michael van Gerwen v Robert Thornton – van Gerwen to win @ 1/7
Michael van Gerwen threw away a 5-1 lead to draw 6-6 with Phil Taylor last week but he was still scintillating at times, with a 170 checkout to bring the house down in Glasgow.
He averaged 107.35 with a 46.15% checkout conversion rate and anywhere near that should be good enough to see off the Thorn as the pair clash in Liverpool.
Thornton put in an improved performance last week but he may struggle to match the imperious MvG, as many do, so despite his rather short 1/7 price, MvG looks a vital part of this week’s accumulator.
The Thorn plays twice, which means he will have a chance to get his eye in early, so it may not be a complete domination from the Dutchman but he looks the likely winner by some distance.
Phil Taylor v Peter Wright – Taylor to win @ 8/11
After last week’s thrilling 6-6 draw with MvG, Phil Taylor will be out to chase down the Dutchman at the top of the table with a big performance against Peter Wright in the finale.
He is currently level on points with van Gerwen but the Dutchman has a one-leg better difference before he goes into his game with Thornton, so Taylor will be bidding to go one better than his counterpart against Snakebite.
The Power averaged 103.12 against MvG, with a 120 checkout and 6/10 on the doubles, fighting back from 5-1 down to take a share of the spoils in an exciting encounter.
Wright succumbed to a 7-5 loss against Gary Anderson, although he had plenty of chances to snatch a point before being let down by his finishing.
He could only muster 5/15 on his doubles, which was a real negative in a game where he scored well and he will have to be at his prolific best to challenge a resurgent Taylor.
The Power is enjoying a real return to form with his new darts and he will be relishing the chance to take on Wright in Liverpool. At 8/11, Taylor looks a nice price and can round off this week’s Premier League Darts five-fold!
Odds subject to change.
