It’s time to jump into mainland Europe for the first time in this season’s Premier League, with the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin hosting week 7 in front of a packed out crowd.
It has all tightened up at the top of the standings with Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross leading the way on nine points. They’ve both snatched four wins from their six outings so far, and are still priced as the two favourites to lift the trophy at the O2 in May.
Wade, Wright and Price all sit ready to pounce with seven points, however, the bottom of the pile holds the most telling story. Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld is slumped on two points, still without a win in six matches. If Barney fails to win in Berlin, he’ll surely fall short in avoiding getting cut adrift come Judgement Night.
It’s Max Hopp’s turn to play ‘Contender’ this week as he locks horns with van Barneveld, in what might be an emotional night in Germany.
Let’s take a closer look at the action in week 7:
Gerwyn Price vs Rob Cross
Despite losing just one of his six fixtures, Price’s taste for a draw has seen him slip out of the top four. Cross is cantering alongside MVG at ease and looks comfortable on the Premier League oche. Cross has enough to bag both points here, even with Price playing the darts of his life.
Rob Cross to win @ 6/5 (BetVictor)
James Wade vs Peter Wright
Until Wade becomes frustrated at the oche, he will beat most of this Premier League field. Suljovic’s slow style led The Machine to miss big chances last week; Wright’s clinical finishing may cause similar issues. Both players sit on seven points, with a draw a reasonable outcome for both. A 6-6 prices up well considering their five combined draws in 12 outings.
Wade vs. Wright draw @ 10/3 (BetVictor)
Micheal van Gerwen vs Daryl Gurney
It’s unclear whether Gurney is playing well enough to trouble an out-of-sorts MVG. The Dutchman bounced back to life last week in a 7-2 destruction of Price – Gurney could face the same fate in Berlin. Mighty Mike will be adamant that he keeps hold of his grasp on the regular season title.
Michael van Gerwen 7-3 @ 4/1 (BetVictor)
Michael Smith vs Mensur Suljovic
Smith notched up a huge win last week against Aspinall and will regard his Berlin fixture against Suljovic as holding just as much significance. A spot outside the top four will be deemed a failure for Bully Boy; luckily for Smith, Suljovic’s doubling isn’t on point yet this campaign. Smith can stroll to a quick victory if he gets ahead early. His price is good enough in the outright markets.
Michael Smith to win @ 6/5 (BetVictor)
Max Hopp vs Raymond van Barneveld
Max Hopp has a serious chance of becoming the first ‘Contender’ to record a win. Barney is void of any form in the league and if he can’t get both points against the German on Thursday, his Premier League number will be up. This should go all twelve legs, with Hopp taking advantage of the home support. Hopp has the power to win the 180 race.
Max Hopp to throw the most 180s @ 11/10 (BetVictor)
