The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham is ready to welcome Premier League darts this Thursday, as UK Open champion Nathan Aspinall look to become the first ‘Contender’ to take both points away from one of the field.

Last week saw the first whitewash of the season. James Wade flexed his muscles in a 7-0 sweep over Daryl Gurney, propping himself up at the top of the league standings taking seven points from a possible ten.

The other stand-out news was the 6-6 draw between John Henderson and Michael van Gerwen. MVG was a heavy favourite coming into this fixture, however, Hendo’s home support in Aberdeen was enough to push him over the line, restricting the world champion to just one point north of the border.

So Wade leads from Cross, van Gerwen and Price inside the playoff spots, with Smith and Barney propping up the table and in danger of being cut adrift if they don’t get a wriggle on.

What fixtures do Nottingham have in store for us?

Nathan Aspinall vs Michael Smith

Sixth ‘Contender’ Nathan Aspinall has a huge opportunity to dent Bully Boy’s hopes of making the playoffs this year. The Asp is fresh from his UK Open win and will be relishing the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd. Smith is still struggling, but his fluidity looks to be coming back after an injury stricken start to the year. Smith may become frustrated by Aspinall’s opportunistic finishing, with a 6-6 looking good value.

Aspinall 6-6 Smith @ 3/1 (BetVictor)

James Wade vs Mensur Suljovic

Wade is the form player in the Premier League at the moment, and after getting both points last week without dropping a leg, The Machine will be looking to kick on in style. Suljovic appears a little uncomfortable on the Premier League stage. His finishing is reliable, but his lack of 180 hitting may drag him into trouble come Judgement Night. Wade is playing too well to drop points here; his price holds value in the outrights.

Wade to win @ 10/11 (BetVictor)

Rob Cross vs Raymond van Barneveld

It’s do or die for Barney in the league. The Dutchman has picked up just two points in five matches so far, with time running out to put any pressure on the playoff spots. Cross sits comfortably in second spot having won his last two matches back-to-back. Voltage doesn’t look like holding up, with a flourish of heavy scoring leading to legs won against van Barneveld’s throw with ease. Cross to stroll the 180 race.

Rob Cross to score the most 180s @ 4/5 (BetVictor)

Gerwyn Price vs Michael van Gerwen

Gerwyn vs. Gerwen, as two of the top four slug it out for a grip on their playoff spot. Price is the only player without defeat so far in the league, with the Welshman throwing some of the best darts in his career. MVG is in a rough patch having gone his last four matches without victory; maybe Price can get under his skin in Nottingham. This looks destined to go the distance.

Gerwyn Price +2.5 legs handicap @ 4/5 (BetVictor)

Peter Wright vs Daryl Gurney

How Gurney reacts to last week’s 7-0 drubbing will prove critical in this match against a dangerous Snakebite. Wright is still gathering points without playing too well; he currently sits on six points, just one off the band of playoff players on seven points. Gurney has fight in him and needs a point or two to stay in touch with the top half of the league.

Over 11.5 legs @ 4/6 (BetVictor)

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