Premier League Darts Week 4: Past champs Anderson and Wade clash

Coral writers preview Week 4 of the prestigious Premier League Darts competition, that takes place at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena this time out.

There is a tasty clash between past champions Gary Anderson and James Wade, while title holder Raymond van Barneveld and tournament debutant Stephen Bunting will battle it out for a first victory this year.

Elsewhere, world number one Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis go head-to-head, Phil Taylor faces Peter Wright and Kim Huybrechts and Dave Chisnall kick off the evening’s action.

Kim Huybrechts v Dave Chisnall
Chisnall is one of only three people this year undefeated after the first three matchweeks, after claiming two wins and a draw, and finds himself up in second place. He next faces Belgian Huybrechts, who has taken just one point so far.

If Chizzy wins (even-money favourite), as he has done in each of their last six meetings against The Hurricane (15/8), then he will be a very realistic contender to qualify for the play-offs (5/2).

Gary Anderson v James Wade
Wade (9/4 chance) is another that is unbeaten so far, but the 2009 Premier League winner faces a tough test against 2011 victor and recent world champion Anderson (odds-on 5/6 favourite).

This duo have enjoyed close encounters in the past, with both getting three wins apiece in their last six meetings. But back Coral’s title pick The Flying Scotsman (10/3) to edge this match 7-5 at 13/2.

Michael van Gerwen v Adrian Lewis
Mighty Mike is undefeated in his last nine head-to-heads with Lewis and has been in great form this season in the Premier League, and he tops the table with a 100 per cent record so far as he looks to reclaim the title.

The Dutchman (13/8 tournament favourite) is odds-on at 8/13 to beat Lewis (3/1) again, with Jackpot looking shaky since his dominant Week 1 win over defending champion Van Barneveld.

Stephen Bunting v Raymond van Barneveld
Neither player has won this season, and both are on just one point so far, so a draw at 10/3 could be the best shout. Both are 11/8 chances for victory, but Barney holds the edge in head-to-heads, having won both, including most recently in the PDC World Championship quarters.

The duo could still qualify for the semis this competition, with The Bullet priced at 9/4 and Van Barneveld a 9/2 chance.

Phil Taylor v Peter Wright
Snakebite (11/2 chance) has been the worst player of the Premier League this year so far, as he sits bottom of the table on leg difference with three others, losing his opening two matches 7-1. He was nearly bulldozed by Barney last time out too, but managed to make a late comeback to claim a draw.

Six-time champion and 3/1 title second-favourite Taylor, meanwhile, has made a great start, after his first week defeat to Anderson, thrashing Lewis and Bunting, and he is heavily odds-on at 1/3 for victory in Northern Ireland.