Premier League Darts Week 13: Crunch clashes galore
Coral preview Week 13 of the Premier League Darts, that takes place in Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena, with a number of crunch clashes on offer.
With just three rounds of fixtures to go, the highlight of the night here is Michael van Gerwen’s fight with Phil Taylor, while Raymond van Barneveld is against Gary Anderson.
Barney faces two battles in Birmingham, along with Adrian Lewis, with the duo going head-to-head in the final match. Jackpot also starts the evening off against Dave Chisnall, before a duel between basement duo James Wade and Stephen Bunting.
Dave Chisnall v Adrian Lewis
Jackpot is one of the in-form players in the league of late, having won three of his last four (losing none). He next goes up against second-placed Chisnall, who has lost his last two, needing a victory to put him in with a great chance to reach the play-offs.
Chizzy smashed Lewis last time out 7-2, and is a great 6/4 chance to beat him again, but a draw at 10/3 is the most likely outcome. Jackpot, who is one point behind the top four, is the 5/4 favourite.
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
Barney is another in great form, winning his last three, and just one point off the top four. He claimed a crucial draw against Anderson in Week 9 (Elimination Night), and has a great chance to topple the Scot this time, as he has just one victory in his last five.
Defending champion Van Barneveld is a tempting 2/1 chance to beat The Flying Scotsman (10/11), but again a share of the spoils (7/2) once more looks likely.
James Wade v Stephen Bunting
In the battle of the basement duo, Bunting is certainly looking good coming into this clash, after thrashing Anderson 7-1 last time out, so is a tempting 6/4 shout for victory.
Wade (5/4), on the other hand, was recently whitewashed by Van Gerwen, and is without a win in his last five. Both players desperately need the victory here if they are to stand any chance of making the play-offs.
Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor
This is one of the biggest fixtures in darts, between world number one Mighty Mike and six-time champion Taylor, and neither player will want to lose no matter the occasion.
Van Gerwen (odds-on 10/11 favourite) stands comfortably on top of the table, despite losing two of his last three, while The Power (2/1) must win to avoid possibly missing out on the play-offs for the first time ever in the Premier League.
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
But the most important battle of the night is surely this one here. Barney (6/4) has a decent career record against Lewis (5/4) and, after starting the season badly, has seemingly put all his focus into this Premier League.
It takes a lot to stop the Dutchman when he’s on a role, so back him for victory here.
