REIGNING Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen missed out on the season's fifth league meeting last week in Exeter but the Dutchman will return to action on Thursday when he defends his unbeaten start to the season against Kim Huybrechts in Glasgow.
Week 6 fixtures / head to head
- Adrian Lewis v Phil Taylor – Phil leads 52-16 (pair tied 3-3 on last 6)
- James Wade v Peter Wright – James leads 14-13 (Wright won 9 of last 10
- Kim Huybrechts v Michael van Gerwen – Michael leads 19-8 (MVG won last 9)
- Jelle Klaasen v Raymond van Barneveld – Barney leads 9-6 (Klaasen unbeaten since 2015)
- Dave Chisnall v Gary Anderson – Anderson leads 13-4 (Anderson won 7 of last 8)
Phil Taylor beat Lewis in both meetings last year 7-2 and 7-1 but a year later and Taylor is not quite the same player although his commitments are far fewer than Lewis's as Taylor is chalked up at even money to Lewis's 9/4 and 7/2 for the tie. In the Premier League this season Phil has gone unbeaten thus far this season. Despite just six maximums in the competition, the power has chalked up the most 140's proving why he is still the switching king of the oche.
Lewis has not been a Premier League performer in the past few seasons but has improved as of late especially at Brighton two weeks ago. Lewis is 8/13 to land the most 180s, with Phil BIG at 5/2. This would be a no bet in general but if pushed like the no first leg maximum at 8/11 with betfair sportsbook.
Looking at Wade and Wright, Snakebite has joined the elite with a major under his belt. Those that are not regular subscribers of Darts Weekly would have missed my suttle prediction Wright would win a major and his target should be the UK open, written back in January 2017. Wright has been captured by punters including close pal and confidant Carl Redden @reddencarl at 4/5 odds with Hills market leader at 8/11 now.
Kim Huybrechts toes the oche against an uncertain MVG, who bookies take no chances at 2/9, with the Belgian BIG at 10/1 and the draw 8/1. Backers would be foolish in looking anywhere near the 2/9 on MVG on the receipt of his back issue. One to watch on this occasion. Not surprised PDC officials have been merciful in MVG not having to play twice on the night not knowing what the pressure of the stage will contribute to MVG's back issues. Huybrechts could be taken at 4/6 for 3 or more maximums in the game but the MVG that will turn up could determine the direction of the game.
The battle between Klaasen and Barney is a shame it has dawned on Glasgow as Rotterdam could have been the better venue for this encounter. The Cobra has Raymond's number in all of the last three meetings, but with Jelle's finish line troubles last week resulted in a 6-6 draw with Kim Huybrechts. An exhilarating game at the UK open finals saw Barney throw everything back at eventual winner Peter Wright and should take away his sheer performances over that weekend. I would like to see Barney edge this but the 11/4 on Jelle is appealing despite finish line nerves.
Last on is Chisnall and Anderson which at both players pace will not last too long at all. Anderson has his finishing sorted out and you have to imagine the pace of the game will suit both players. Anderson trousered 8 maximums last week and the line is set at 7.5. All in all the pace of the game will be a good indicator for overs in general here.
Recommendations
- All players to hit 2 or more 180s on the night – 7/1 William Hill (specials) – 0.5 pts
- Chisnall over 98.00 average – 5/6 Betway – 1pt
