Aberdeen’s BHGE Arena plays host to week 5 of the Darts Premier League, as some of the field look to bounce back from a draining weekend at the UK Open. The self titled “FA Cup of Darts” got the beating of all of our ten Premier League players, with young prospect Nathan Aspinall lifting the trophy in Minehead, defeating an exhausted Rob Cross in the final.
Rob Cross, Michael Smith and Gerwyn Price all reached finals night, with a majority of the other players falling at early hurdles in the unpredictable event. All things considered, Thursday night will be back to reality for the PDC stars as they look to jump up the table as we approach the halfway stage in the first phase.
A week previous, we endured a fairly shocking week in week 4 of the Premier League. Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen suffered his first defeat at the hands of James Wade, Rob Cross hammered Daryl Gurney 7-1 and ‘Contender’ Luke Humphries took a point from Grand Slam of Darts champion Gerwyn Price. In less shocking news, Suljovic edged past Wright 7-4 and van Barneveld failed to win again, losing 7-4 to ‘Bully Boy’ Smith.
It’s a huge week for those at the bottom. Van Barneveld and Michael Smith will feel cut adrift if they don’t pick up two points in Scotland, with places two to four looking to leapfrog MVG.
Let’s see who takes on who:
Michael Smith vs. Rob Cross
Smith is still hobbling about after having surgery on his leg; Cross looked shattered after a testing weekend at Minehead: who will have the most left in the tank? Cross got the better of ‘Bully Boy’ in the semi-final of the UK Open on Sunday, but the shorter format will suit Smith. If Smith can score heavily, Cross’ missed doubles may prove crucial. It’s destined to go the distance, but picking a winner is a real 50/50. Smith comes at a better price.
Michael Smith to win @ 11/8 (BetVictor)
Daryl Gurney vs. James Wade
Gurney’s confidence would have taken a battering at the hands of ‘Voltage’ Cross last week, and Wade isn’t the rebound fixture you would choose to bounce back. Wade is a dark horse for a Premier League title this season and should be able to edge out the Northern Irishman. Wade has hit twice the amount of 180s that Gurney has in their four matches – back this run to continue.
James Wade to score the most 180s @ 7/4 (BetVictor)
Mensur Suljovic vs. Gerwyn Price
Suljovic has been going about his business quietly in the Premier League. One win, two draws and one loss see him nestle fifth in mid-table, however, his opponent is the only unbeaten player left in the Premier League. ‘Gezzy’ Price has relied on big finishes to keep him live in most matches, with heavy scoring he should be first to those doubles in a majority of legs. Price – despite unbeaten – has only won one fixture – he’ll make it two here.
Gerwyn Price to win @ 5/4 (BetVictor)
Raymond van Barneveld vs. Peter Wright
Barney is still without a win this season, and quite frankly, the Dutchman is running out of time. Wright is proving to be one of the most unpredictable players in the league but should have the nerve to topple van Barneveld. Wright is a good price to smash the most maximums in this one.
Peter Wright to score the most 180s @ 1/1 (BetVictor)
Michael van Gerwen vs. John Henderson
Highlander John Henderson is the fifth ‘Contender’ to take the stage in the Premier League this year and will hope to become the first grab two points away from the field. MVG may bite back after two shock defeats over last weekend; Henderson hasn’t got a favourable record against the Dutchman. ‘Hendo’ won their last meeting in 2017, but has lost the other eight – this could be a tonking.
Michael van Gerwen 7-2 John Henderson @ 10/3 (BetVictor)
