Premier League Darts Night 14: Van Gerwen vies with Van Barneveld
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Premier League Darts 2016
- Night 14: Phase two, round five
- Thursday, May 5th
- Session from: 19:15-22:30 BST
- Manchester Arena, Manchester
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Mighty Mike still grappling with Taylor for top spot
Premier League Darts arrives in Manchester for the penultimate week of phase two, making it somewhat of a last chance saloon for the trailing oche heroes to take a tilt at a top four spot for Finals Night.
Over the next two weeks our remaining eight arrowsmiths will be whittled down to four, meaning some crucial matches will take place in Mancunia. Ahead of their Rotterdam rumble, giants Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen will want to pick up all the points they can, as The Power pits his wits against former protege Adrian Lewis and MvG steels himself for a Dutch duel with compatriot Raymond van Barneveld.
Elsewhere, James Wade and Peter Wright wrangle in an encounter that could shape their fate, as both remain stranded three points off Jackpot, who hogs the last semi-final place. While, all-but qualified Gary Anderson takes on another Scot in already eliminated Robert Thornton.
So, read on to find out the best betting opportunities Coral are offering customers for Thursday’s fixtures…
James Wade v Peter Wright
While it may look unlikely that either can claw their way back with two weeks to go, few expected Snakebite to switch off The Power last time out, but the Scot delivered a 7-4 thumping to the great of the game, while The Machine looked rusty as he was comprehensively thrashed 7-1 by MvG.
That makes colourful character Wright, imbued by confidence from last week’s bout with the then league leader, 11/10 favourite to take out Wade (7/4) despite the Englishman’s 14-6 winning record over his rival. A draw (10/3) will simply not do for either.
As for alternative odds, with so much at stake customers can snatch an 11/4 price for this to be the match with the highest checkout of the night.
Gary Anderson v Robert Thornton
Though, The Flying Scotsman (heavy odds-on favourite at 3/10) seems to have gotten over this particular banana skin by winning their last two battles at a canter.
However, Anderson will still want to exert caution with qualification not quite 100 per cent cemented yet. You can opt for better value on the title hopeful (11/2 to retain), at 15/8 to be King of the Oche (to win match, most 180s and highest checkout. If any of the markets are tied, bets will be settled as losers) versus The Thorn.
Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
Van Gerwen (1/4 favourite) is straddling the Premier League summit, equal on points with The Power but ahead on legs and appears to be hitting his most ferocious form at just the right time. With a stop on his home soil in the Netherlands next week, in a fray against Taylor which could decide the ultimate table topper, MvG will want to give himself every chance of going in with an advantage.
Though, Van Barneveld (always tempting for a punt at 13/2) could help his fellow veteran out here, as he has recently saved his best for Clockwork Orange compatriot Mighty Mike, and is as yet unwilling to completely surrender his crown as top Dutch darting name.
Barney’s stunning and dramatic 2016 PDC World Championship win against the world number one springs to mind, as does the duo’s earlier thrilling draw this Premier League term, with odds of 6/1 for this to end evenly again.
This could push Van Gerwen to bring out the big-guns to ward off another Barney slip-up, with 3/1 a fantastic price for The Green Machine to grab highest player checkout, or 12/5 to notch most maximums of the night.
Adrian Lewis v Phil Taylor
Lewis (an outsider to triumph at 12/5) is still in pole position for a fourth placed finish and entry to play-offs week, but was on the end of a 7-1 drubbing last time he played his fellow Potter in the Premier League. Though, the arrow could be in his court this time around as Jackpot enters the arena on the back of a win with Taylor overcoming his Snakebite shock.
A closer contest could ensure this time then, but backing The Power at 9/2 for a 7-5 scoreline is his favour still looks wise.
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