MARCH 21: PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS TIPS

IT'S round 7 of the Coral Premier League darts on Thursday with all the action coming from Cardiff.

Rodney Trotter's once again been looking at the fixtures and here are his tips.

Andy Hamilton v Simon Whitlock

This is going to be a close game. You can put your mortgage on Andy hitting the double 16 because he doesn't miss it often. I'd say he's hitting it nine times out of 10 at the moment. The crucial thing is he stays with people and he makes himself tough to beat. The same can be said of Whitlock, who is also enjoying his game right now. Both players had big smiles on their faces when I saw them at the weekend (especially when I told them about the extra prize money coming into the game) and that is showing in their play.

This is such a hard call but if you put me on the spot I'd say Whitlock could nick it – but it's a tough prediction because Hamilton has beaten Taylor twice in the last fortnight! There won't be many mistakes and the sixth, seventh and eighth legs will define where this game goes.

Rod roars: WHITLOCK (11-10, Coral)

Gary Anderson v Michael van Gerwen

This will be a high-scoring game with a lot of 180s. Gary had a nine-darter in the Tour event at the weekend and played really well but Van Gerwen won that tournament so I've got to go for the Dutchman. He's playing exceptionally well and loves the game right now. Even if he throws a few bad darts he's capable of hitting 180 with the next three because he doesn't care what he's hit previously.

Other players think about the previous three darts but you can't turn back history and Van Gerwen is good at forgetting about it and moving on. He just puts his foot on the oche and throws. Anderson worries about practising and doing the right things but with his skill he shouldn't think too much about things like that. If he gets in front he could do the job but I've got to go for Van Gerwen.

Rod roars: VAN GERWEN (8-15, William Hill, sportingbet)

Robert Thornton v Adrian Lewis

Adrian is showing signs of coming back to form but he still isn't displaying the consistency that made him a double world champion. There is negativity in his head which is a contrast to Thornton who is enjoying the ride in this Premier League. He is scoring very well and is extremely consistent leg on leg and will be tough to beat.

If Lewis turns up he has the talent to blitz anyone and that's why I'm finding it quite difficult to call but he really needs the points and that extra pressure will be tough for him. I think it could be another draw and to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if we saw five draws this week. That could be worth a fun bet!

Rod's call: DRAW or THORNTON (8-13, William Hill)

Wes Newton v Phil Taylor

Newton had two 10-darters in his match with Van Gerwen last week and could have had a third. As I mentioned above the only thing standing in his way of winning a major is a slight lack of consistency in a leg or two in a match. But let's not forget he is a newcomer and if he keeps progressing as he has over the last five years he will win a big one and do some serious damage in the world of darts.

Phil has not looked right in the last three weeks and this is the best time for Newton to play him. If he can get out of the gate quickly and get in front you never know – and a win for Newton would be huge for him, not only in the Premier League, but in darts for the rest of the year. But I've got to go for a Taylor win.

Rod roars: TAYLOR (2-5, Coral, Ladbrokes)

James Wade v Raymond van Barneveld

I've never sat on the fence so much but I'm struggling to split these two as well! Both have been playing exceptionally well and it could come down to a mistake made by one of them between the fifth and seventh legs, something like that.

If Wade can storm in front and not miss the double tops like he did last week Barney could be a little bit vulnerable. I could make cases for both players to win this and if I was to stick my neck out I'd say Barney will nick it.

Rod roars: DRAW or BARNEY (1-2, William Hill)

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