It’s the fourth week of this year’s Premier League Darts, with Exeter’s Westpoint Arena hosting an unmissable night of action from the best of the PDC.
Once again, Michael van Gerwen stole the headlines last week with a comfortable 7-2 win over world number two Rob Cross. Cross narrowly avoided the 7-0 sweep in Dublin, but will take little comfort from nailing just two doubles against the world champion.
Draws between Price/Wade and Suljovic/Barney emphasised the value in backing a draw in the Premier League with such evenly contested matches, whereas Gurney upset the apple-cart in beating one of the favourites for the title – Michael Smith.
Peter Wright got his first win of the campaign in a nervy win over ‘Contender’ Steve Lennon in front of a partisan Dublin crowd, with Snakebite averaging a healthy 97 in the process.
It’s getting nervy for some of the under-performers in the league. Let’s look at the matchups from week 4 in Exeter this Thursday:
Luke Humphries vs Gerwyn Price
Humphries can rely on the strong backing of the Exeter faithful on Thursday night, however, ‘Gezzy’ Price is playing the darts of his life after winning back-to-back Players Championship tournaments at the weekend. He’ll look to build on this momentum this Thursday against Humphries who may start strong, but will struggle to get over the line. Price is in the groove – 8/11 is fantastic value.
Gerwyn Price to win @ 8/11 (BetVictor)
Daryl Gurney vs Rob Cross
Cross undid a lot of his good work in the Premier League through getting bullied by MVG last week. Gurney will come to win and may involve Voltage in a slugfest of ton+ hitting. Both have struggled to notch up maximums when it matters, showing the unders market as an attractive prospect. Cross has it in him to get the victory, but it may be hard fought for.
Under 6.5 180s @ 4/5 (BetVictor)
Mensur Suljovic vs Peter Wright
For all of Suljovic’s quirks, Gentle never quite looks cut out for life in the Premier League. He’s still without a win to his name in the 2019 tournament despite averaging 99; his lack of a three-figure checkout in three matches underlines his struggles. Wright is a fantastic matchplayer and is capable of winning when playing under par. Five of these two’s six matches so far have gone the distance. That’s where the value lies.
Over 11.5 legs @ 11/10 (BetVictor)
Michael van Gerwen vs James Wade
MVG has a dominant record over The Machine in recent years, and with a healthy lead developing already at the summit of the Premier League table, it’s hard to see a stutter from the Dutchman in Exeter. Wade is throwing consistently, but doesn’t possess the magic to de-rail Mighty Mike. Van Gerwen can win this one on his own terms.
MVG 7-4 James Wade @ 9/2 (BetVictor)
Michael Smith vs Raymond van Barneveld
Both are desperate for their first Premier League win of the campaign. Smith is considered one of the favourites for this title, but needs to get moving after a drab start; Bully Boy currently sits bottom of the pile after two losses and a draw. Barney is relying on the crowd each week to give him that extra 10%. It has worked to a degree, but Smith has the tools to put him to the sword once his rhythm has been found. It’s about time we saw the Smith of old. Back the 180s to flow in a win for Bully Boy.
Over 6.5 180s @ 1/1 (BetVictor)
