WE'RE back after a non-starter last week due to adverse weather conditions, which subsequently led to the UK Open being played behind closed doors.
With Cross and Price making it into the deeper stages of the UK Open with Gary Anderson lifting the trophy, all eyes are back to the Premier League a week before the commencement of the European Tour events.
Unibet Premier League Week Six – March 8th – First Direct Arena, Leeds
- Michael van Gerwen v Simon Whitlock
- Gerwyn Price v Raymond van Barneveld
- Peter Wright v Mensur Suljovic
- Gary Anderson v Daryl Gurney
- Rob Cross v Michael Smith
Backing all the favourites on the night (MVG, Barney, Wright, Anderson and Cross) will net just shy of 11/1 with Betfair. Backing all the underdogs will net a cool 3185/1 generally and a spate of draws will land 5472/1 in places.
Looking at some of the weekly specials Betfred continue to chalk up the number of maximums on the night and maintain a 30.5 line or more generously 31.5 at Sportingbet and Bwin where odds compiler Mr GW quotes 10/11. The first two weeks landed fewer with the last two meetings falling just over the line!
Michael van Gerwen v Simon Whitlock
- Head-to-head: Van Gerwen leads 28-5
In what can only be described as a shocker, 8/11 MVG fell at the first hurdle in the UK Open and ruined MVG backers once again!
Gerwen enters at just 6/1 ON with Betfair sportsbook with Whitlock at 12/1 and the tie at 9/1 in places. With the UK Open fail last weekend punters will be hard pressed to muster up enthusiasm at just 1-6.
MVG generally powers back from defeat and ought to see off the Aussie thrower easily enough but see the opening game as one to sit out.
Gerwyn Price v Raymond van Barneveld
- H2H Van Barneveld leads 4-1
Gerwyn Price has the momentum from another great UK Open to see Barney off and It's hard to build up much enthusiasm for Raymond van Barneveld's chances versus Gerwyn Price.
Barney boasts the edge in head-to-head form and bookmakers are behind the big Dutchman who throws second in tonight’s clash.
Is Barney heading down the garden path? It is difficult to go with Barney at evens against the initial throw requiring a break and hold scenario.
Price could kickstart the second half of his campaign before judgement night with points but may make hard work of it. Bwin and Sportingbet hold best price of just under 11/8 the game goes the full twelve legs and this could well occur.
Peter Wright v Mensur Suljovic
- H2H Wright leads 7-4
When considering this game I was surprised how layers were PRO Wright in their betting percentages and on averages alone is barely anything between them. Of course Wright is ahead on the head to head but what did the first stage departure do for Wright last week? He lost his UK Open title without a successful win on his defence. Mensur did not participate in the event so would surely be the fresher of the pair but again no bet this week
Gary Anderson v Daryl Gurney
- H2H Tied at 6-6
Despite the head to head the players are heading in different directions and it’s bad news for Gurney.
Gurney’s journey thus far has suffered in his checkout conversion being the lowest of the pack but has been throwing maximums in but not converting the business end of the leg.
The newly crowned UK Open champion should thrive on the pace of the game and see Anderson crossing the treble digit threshold on the averages and with Betway chalking up 99.5 at 5/6 is the way to go.
Rob Cross v Michael Smith
- H2H Cross leads 5-1
Rob Cross lost out to the eventual winner of the UK Open and some could surmise on the short term of Rob Cross and how defeats may affect him!
Smith can be hot and cold on the oche and despite five maximums against Whitlock am not convinced on trusting with heart and taking instinct to swerve the maximum market. Also considered the checkout line which for a 12 leg game possible chalked at 108.5 with some firms is way to high to take on and back so hopefully Anderson will do the business with our main bet to finish the night on top!
Recommendation:
- G Anderson – Over 99.50 average – 5/6 Betway 3pts
In December 2020 we sadly 
