By Matthew Downey
IT'S a big night of darts in Newcastle as the final two places in the play-offs will be decided.
Only Phil Taylor and Simon Whitlock have booked their slots and defending champion Gary Anderson is the only player to have been eliminated.
Matthew Downey started out by picking two out of three singles last week and he's back with another selections tonight.
Adrian Lewis v Simon Whitlock
Whitlock had the look of a man who is relaxing instead of training last week in his defeat to Andy Hamilton after having already confirmed his place in the semi-finals.
I feel this tonight will be the same with the pressure off him and with Lewis needing a win to cement his place in the semis I can't see past him. Sportingbet are offering 23-20 on Lewis.
Andy Hamilton v Kevin Painter
These two players are pretty much of the same standard but Hamilton has been slightly the better of the two in the PremierLeague. Both had impressive wins last week against Whitlock and Lewis respectively but with a place in the semis potentially awaiting the winner I think Hamilton will continue his impressive form and beat the Artist. BetVictor are offering 5-4 Hamilton.
Van Barneveld v Wade
In this match I'm taking Barney for most 180s. I think the bookies have priced this up wrong, backing Barney to hit more maximums than James Wade should not be 6-5. Wade has never been a big scorer and always heavily relies on his finishing to win him games.
Barney on the other hand has been scoring massively in the league and has a three-dart average of 97 plus. Take Barney to hit more maximums than Wade at 6-5 with William Hill.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Gonna take your advice on hamilton and barney 180’s but instead of lewis i’m gonna back taylor -3.5. Fingers crossed.
Didn’t feel the need to tip Taylor match mate, on the face if things there is only one winner!
Yeah thot 7/10 was a decent price on the -3.5 handicap. Maybe i shuda took your Lewis tip 4-1 up and lookin good.
He bottled it mate
Matt, how did it finish?
Lewis beaten but Hamilton cruising in second game!
Lewis was cruising then bottled it and lost 8-6 Hamilton 5-1 up
Unlucky mate but good news about Hamilton.
So unlucky with last tip, wade with a 180 final leg to tie it!
At least you got a run for your money.
unlucky with 180’s matt, 1 ups better than none on a tough night which could easily have been 3 winners. cant see past taylor but not at they odds. the league table tells the story with taylor +51 with 1 to play and everyobe else on minus
At the start of every tournament I think Taylor will be shit and will lose his touch but no. I’ve never seen anyone dominate a sport so much
Matt, his record is amazing and it must be difficult to stay so motivated and keep putting in the hours of practise. Look at snooker, same kind of practise and accuracy needed but you don’t get players these days staying at the top for too long.
I know mate he is unbelievable. I thought Lewis was going to become the new Taylor after his second world championship but he’s just to inconsistent.