With Raymond van Barneveld a distant memory in this season’s Premier League, eight players remain in the race for a place at this year’s playoff evening at the O2 Arena. MVG is the current pace-setter having notched up back-to-back wins in his native Netherlands, with Rob Cross keeping his rival in check, trailing by a slender six legs in the legs difference.
James Wade and Daryl Gurney make up the rest of the top four, with Michael Smith four points off the running at the bottom of the pile; Smith is more than capable of making up this deficit, proving there is still everything to play for in this year’s Premier League.
Belfast hosts week 10 of the tournament, with a raucous home reception expected to greet Daryl Gurney inside the SSE Arena. The Northern Irishman scooped his maiden European Tour trophy at the weekend beating Rapid Ricky Evans in the final, so it’s hard to imagine any player better suited for a strong performance this Thursday.
In a slight change to the format in phase two of the group stages, matches will be contested over a best-of-fourteen format.
Let’s take a look at the best of the action:
Mensur Suljovic vs James Wade
Suljovic’s winning run came to a halt at the hands of a rampant Daryl Gurney last week; the Austrian still has strong aspirations of a playoff finish. Wade is going on and off the boil, still clinging onto his place in the top four. Suljovic can leapfrog The Machine with a victory. Suljovic’s slow style is likely to frustrate Wade again following a 7-3 win in week 6. Suljovic in a long one, 8-6.
Suljovic 8-6 Wade @ 9/1 (BetVictor)
Michael Smith vs Peter Wright
Smith needs this victory. The Bully Boy has under-performed so far this season, but is still fighting for a route into the top four. A victory over Wright is crucial for his aspirations, with Snakebite the only player above him in the standings. Back Smith to bank the most 180s, with Wright proving hard to shake off until late.
Michael Smith to throw the most 180s @ 4/5 (BetVictor)
Rob Cross vs Daryl Gurney
Gurney’s win in the European Tour at the weekend will inspire a late run in the second phase of the Premier League. Superchin is clinging onto his playoff spot, but Cross has taken five wins from his last six Premier League outings. This one looks likely to go deep, with a 7-7 draw providing real value. Also, back all 14 legs to be contested, with Gurney being pushed by the home support.
Cross 7-7 Gurney @ 7/2 (BetVictor)
Michael van Gerwen vs Gerwyn Price
Price has just one win in his last four, and after a positive start to his second Premier League season, the Ice Man is in danger of falling out of contention. MVG is back to his fluid best after a couple of nervy results from weeks 4-7. Van Gerwen should flex his muscles in Belfast, with a win inside 12.5 legs.
Under 12.5 legs @ 4/6 (BetVictor)
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