It’s the long awaited return of the Premier League this Thursday, as the Utilita Arena in Newcastle hosts the opening round of fixtures between the best throwers in the sport.
Off the back of winning the World Championship for the third time on New Years’ Day, Michael van Gerwen scooped a fifth consecutive Masters crown last Sunday as the Dutchman waltzed past James Wade in the final in Milton Keynes.
This form is imperative for ‘Mighty Mike’ as he looks to stroll towards his fifth Premier League crown, which would take him one shy of Phil Taylor’s record total.
The big news coming into the tournament is the withdrawal of Gary Anderson. The two-time World Champion and two-time Premier League champion had to pull out on Monday due to a back injury that has plagued his career over the last few years. Hopefully, sitting out this tournament will allow a run of form towards the back of the season in preparation for the Matchplay in the summer.
His replacement has caused controversy across the darts world. Nine ‘Contenders” will fill in each week for the Scot, with a variety of players from across the PDC being invited to play in front of their home fans. The remaining nine players in the Premier League will still be able to win points against them, but the ‘Contenders’ won’t be able to accumulate any themselves.
So, let’s look at the opening round of fixtures, with the best value bets from BetVictor accompanying them:
James Wade vs Raymond van Barneveld
Wade has turned his form around considerably over the past six months, as The Machine looks to run deep into the Premier League format. His finishing is good enough to win scrappy matches over such a short format. Barney’s inclusion in the original ten players was hotly contested considering his form, which suggests the Dutchman may struggle with the pressure.
James Wade to win @ 6/5
Raymond van Barneveld most 180s @ 5/6
Gerwyn Price vs Daryl Gurney
This one is a true 50/50. Price and Gurney have both done well in previous years to consolidate their positioning in the Premier League, but both will target two points off each other. Price’s form has dipped since his Grand Slam win and is no doubt going to play the villain of the night in front of the Newcastle crowd. Gurney’s heavy scoring should see him over the line.
Daryl Gurney 7-5 Gerwyn Price @ 5/1
Chris Dobey vs Mensur Suljovic
Dobey is the first of the ‘Contenders’ to take part in this years Premier League, with the incentive of Dobey in question coming into Newcastle. Suljovic struggled last season, so will be looking to right the wrongs of a campaign that saw him win just two matches. Dobey can play on his day and will probably win the 180 contest; this being said, Suljovic should hustle to the victory.
Mensur Suljovic to win @ 4/6
Michael van Gerwen vs Michael Smith
In a repeat of the World Championship final and the previous Premier League final, Michael takes on Michael in a 180-slugfest. MVG keeps getting the better of the Bully Boy on the big stage, however, Smith’s game has come on leaps and bounds in the past 12 months. It still looks too soon for Smith to get the win, especially after the Dutchman scooped his fifth back-to-back Masters crown last Sunday. Avoid the 180s market, with both scoring for fun.
Michael van Gerwen to win @ 4/9
170 checkout – Yes @ 7/1
Peter Wright vs Rob Cross
This one looks a strong candidate to be the first draw of this year’s Premier League. Both are world beaters on their day, but are struggling a little for consistency under the TV lights. Wright reached the Masters’ semi-final at the weekend and averaged over 95 in two of his matches; Cross stumbled at the first hurdle. This one should swing backwards and forwards.
Peter Wright 6-6 Rob Cross @ 10/3
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