Premier League Darts Night Five: all-English duels for Taylor, Lewis, Chizzy

Holly Thackeray | March 2, 2016

Premier League Darts 2016

England’s finest face off in exciting Exeter encounters

So, how do you top a thrilling Night Four in Aberdeen after Michael van Gerwen smashed televised darting records with an astounding average of 123.40? Night Five of the Premier League will certainly give it a go, as the evening in Exeter pits four of England’s excellent arrowsmiths against one another.

In a tale of master and apprentice, the pick of this week’s wrangles is the opener, as Phil Taylor takes on former protege and fellow Potter Adrian Lewis.

While, in other all-English action, Dave Chisnall clashes with James Wade. The night then finishes strongly as title holder Gary Anderson contests fellow Scot Robert Thornton and current tournament table-topper Peter Wright faces ferociously in-form and second spot Van Gerwen.

Then, to cap-off those cracking match-ups, it is a replay of the thrilling World Darts Championship duel between Michael Smith and Raymond van Barneveld. So, read on to find out Coral’s top tips for these unmissable tussles and, while you’re at it, check out MvG’s barnstorming performance from last week below!

Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis

It is fair to say that Jackpot is yet to exceed former mentor The Power, but has has held the edge over the all-time great in recent scuffles.

While it will be tight between these two Stoke-born sportsmen, Lewis looks much better for victory at 9/4, than Taylor as 5/6 favourite, after both secured Premier League victories last time out.

The pair are currently level on six points apiece in the standings, with Jackpot priced at 7/1 to win 7-5, after triumphing in four of the darting duo’s last five dust-ups. Lewis also racked up Night Four’s highest check-out, so is tasty at 11/10 to do so in this match.

Dave Chisnall v James Wade

Chisnall and Wade ran Taylor and Lewis close respectively last time out, but still failed to pick up points, meaning this match should prove a cracker.

Of course, these two tungsten talents drew last year in the first of their Premier League Darts duels, so are rated 7/2 to end evenly again.

There’s not much to choose between Chizzy (even-money favourite) and The Machine (15/8), though when looking for a winner Wade holds the head-to-head record, but Chisnall has the tendency to be more explosive.

Robert Thornton v Gary Anderson

Anderson announced his return to form emphatically, after sinking Barney 7-3, so should have little trouble seeing off second from bottom Thornton.

The Thorn has so far found his Premier League Darts return prickly, but actually has a decent record against his compatriot, with 11 victories to Anderson’s 13.

Still, the Grand Prix winner’s odds of 5/1 to secure a second successive draw against another Scot in this tournament look long. While, The Flying Scotsman (4/11 favourite) may see this as an opportunity to strut his stuff, and he could prove prudent as a 15/8 punt to be King of the Oche (win match, most 180s and highest checkout. If any of the markets are tied, bets will be settled as losers).

Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen

In a first versus second dust-up, Snakebite is 5/1 to cling on to top spot by beating Mighty Mike, or the same price to match MvG with a draw.

The Green Machine is just one of those players that always seems to be standing in Wright’s way, and the vibrantly dressed dartsman has had little joy against the Dutch juggernaut in their last four frays, losing a final and three semis.

After Van Gerwen (heavy 4/11 favourite) showed his swagger against Smith in such stupendous style, and with his 30-8 winning record over Wright in mind, it may be best to back the world number one at a value 12/1 for a 170 checkout.

Michael Smith v Raymond van Barneveld

An intriguing way to finish the evening, as this unpredictable pair play each other for the third time in 2016 already.

Bully Boy has had the beating of stuttering Barney (6/5 for victory), who is currently celebrating his 10th year with the PDC and Premier League Darts, in four of their past five darting dates.

So, despite that memorable Van Barneveld comeback in the Worlds, Smith still seems most tempting at 8/5 for the spoils, and his first Premier League win of the season, with odds of 10/11 for most maximums too.

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Coral’s top tip: Lewis at 9/4 to beat Taylor is truly tempting!