Two men have left the Premier League Darts roadshow which leaves us with eight men when the competition rolls into Sheffield on Thursday evening. We have now reached the stage of the tournament where players begin to play twice on the same night but with a congested table we have plenty to look forward to.
There is no longer any pressures to avoid relegation from the tournament. It is all about getting into that top four to make it to the o2. In that quest this will be a big evening for Raymond Barneveld and Peter Wright who compete twice on the evening.
Raymond Barneveld vs Daryl Gurney
The evening begins with a rematch from the opening night of the competition as Daryl Gurney takes on Raymond Barneveld with both men going into the evening outside of the top four so they desperately need a win to remain in touch with those in the top four.
These two drew on the opening night and you wouldn’t rule out the same result here if Barneveld is at his best. If he isn’t then Gurney will surely prevail but I wouldn’t want to rely on Gurney and his doubles and after a pasting last week I’m not sure I want to rely on Barney either so this is easy to sit out.
Gary Anderson vs Peter Wright
This is where the big evening for Peter Wright begins. He comes back later in the night so if he can take anything from his Scottish rival beforehand then he will be in a handy position. Gary Anderson can move into the top four with a win here so he won’t lack for motivation.
I’m expecting a decent match between these two. Wright is slowly starting to get himself going in this tournament but needs some wins quickly while Anderson has been playing well all season. The pair drew in their reverse meeting and I wouldn’t necessarily rule that out again. I think the better bet comes away from the match market though.
Anderson has been ploughing in the 180s in this tournament and as such I’m a little surprised that we can get him on a 3.5 180s line. He nailed five in the reverse match against Wright. He also hit four against Cross last week and six against Whitlock recently. I fancy we’ll see him throw at least four here.
Simon Whitlock vs Michael van Gerwen
Two members of the top four meet when Simon Whitlock plays host to Michael van Gerwen. I think most people expect MVG to run away with the league phase from here on in and if he is going to do that he will beat Whitlock but Whitlock has shown on occasion that he is capable of an upset.
If the Whitlock that turned up last week shows up here then he’s in trouble. I expect him to be a whole lot better but he is still likely to lose. Guessing the margin of victory isn’t for me though so I’m happy enough to sit this one out.
Michael Smith vs Rob Cross
The last two men to grace the stage for the first time will be second placed Michael Smith and third placed Rob Cross. Given the positions in the league table the winner of this one will give themselves a huge chance of making it to the o2 at the end of the season.
Cross won the first meeting between these two in the Premier League but he looks a little short to me. Smith can play the game and is playing very well at the minute. He knows he should have beaten Cross in the World Championship so he knows he can get into winning positions but needs to make sure he gets over the line if he gets there here. I fancy Smith could come out looking great value but it is another match I’m content to leave alone.
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Raymond Barneveld vs Peter Wright
The final match of the night sees Raymond Barneveld and Peter Wright back on the stage. Depending on what happens in their first matches of the evening this could be a massive match for both men. Given that Wright starts the night bottom of the table it will be a big one for him regardless of earlier events.
I’m never one for betting in these second matches in advance as what happens before has such an impact on them. Given that he struggles to perform back to back these days Barneveld is probably worth taking on but these final matches aren’t for me and this one isn’t either.
Tips
WON – Back G.Anderson – Over 3.5 180s for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Boylesports
Back him here:
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