We enter the second half of the regular season in the Premier League Darts competition on Thursday night when the 10 stars of the oche head to Nottingham for the latest round of matches.
We have a congested league table heading into the evening so each match will be significant and the two points on offer in each will be keenly desired. That should make for a top class night of arrers at the midlands venue.
Michael Smith vs Peter Wright
We begin with the man who was knocked off top spot last week in Michael Smith. He takes on the beaten finalist of last year in Peter Wright in a match which is big for the Scot as he languishes outside the play-off places.
Wright’s form in 2018 has been patchy at best. He did show some good signs last weekend when he made the final of the tour event on Saturday but then he lost in the first round the next day and you’d have to be a brave man to take him at odds on here.
Michael Smith can relax a little more in this match. He is perfectly safe in the league table and pretty much has a free shot at the two points which would make him almost a racing certainty to make the o2 at the end of the campaign. I think the value is definitely on Bully Boy here, as is my money.
Simon Whitlock vs Daryl Gurney
The second match of the evening is a repeat of the World Grand Prix final from last year as Simon Whitlock takes on Daryl Gurney. This has suddenly become a big match for both men. Having started the season brightly Whitlock has now lost his last two while surprisingly Gurney is still looking for his first Premier League win.
One thing which will give Gurney plenty of belief for this match is their recent record. He has won their last six battles and nine of their last 10 and in truth only a couple of those wins have been close. The rest of the time he has won easily.
If this match came 3-4 weeks ago you would probably be cautious about the Australian and his chances but in the last two weeks he has lost with averages of 92.28 and 85.60. That suggests he is coming off his top level so I’ll back Gurney to continue his good record against the Wizard.
Mensur Suljovic vs Rob Cross
The third match of the evening sees a Mensur Suljovic, who is desperate for a win, taking on the world champion Rob Cross who looks to have settled into his new status and is staking the leaders.
Everything we have seen in recent times would suggest that Cross is the likeliest winner but Suljovic merits respect and he has the game to keep the world champion honest especially if he gets off to a good start with the throw. Something tells me the prices are about right here so I’ll sit this one out.
Gerwyn Price vs Michael van Gerwen
The penultimate match of the night sees the new league leader Michael van Gerwen looking to protect his position at the head of proceedings when he faces a Gerwyn Price who is bottom of the table and needs a win quickly.
Price hasn’t really got going in this campaign and even the two points he has got came in draws which he was second best in so he’s finding the going pretty tough at this level. Van Gerwen was surprisingly beaten by Peter Wright earlier in the campaign but he’s been perfect apart from that and he should win this comfortably. Whether he covers a 4.5 leg handicap remains to be seen but I’d be surprised if MVG loses.
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Raymond Barneveld vs Gary Anderson
The pick of the matches on Thursday night is probably the last one when the former world champions collide as Raymond Barneveld meets Gary Anderson. Both men are just outside the top four and will be looking to take advantage of any slips from those above them earlier in the evening.
Anderson won both Players Championship tournaments last weekend and looks to be over his back issues which means Barneveld has a real challenge on his hands but he does tend to raise his game against the best so I wouldn’t necessarily write the Dutchman off necessarily. I expect this to be a close match but in truth I’m struggling to find a bet so I’ll sit out the finale too.
Tips
WON – Back M.Smith to beat P.Wright for a 3/10 stake at 3.20 with Betfred
Back him here:
Back D.Gurney to beat S.Whitlock for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Ladbrokes
Back him here:
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