We’re in Nottingham this Thursday as the eight stars of the Darts Premier League look to do their best Robin Hood impressions at the oche.
Michael van Gerwen has stretched his legs at the top of the standings following back-to-back wins down south in Brighton and Exeter and is looking close to his electric best as he hunts down his first major TV title since 2020.
With just two points, Gary Anderson is in danger of getting cut adrift at the bottom of the standings, whilst world number one Peter Wright is well set in second.
We’ve got some huge matches this Thursday – headlined by Michael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price in one of the quarter-finals – as big time darts returns to Nottingham.
Let’s take a look at the picks for week 6.
Michael Smith -1.5 handicap v James Wade
Despite Michael Smith’s UK Open heartbreak still clearly hanging over him, “Bully Boy” is still playing some of the best darts in the PDC.
After all, you have to reach a final to lose a final…
The St. Helens thrower ran well at the German Darts Championship and finished runner-up to Michael van Gerwen in last week’s Premier League night in Brighton and is a decent favourite against James Wade.
Wade has won three of his five quarter-finals so far but is likely to be out-muscled by Smith.
Michael van Gerwen to win 6-5 v Gerwyn Price
Michael van Gerwen is back in the groove and looks adamant in proving his point in the Premier League.
Victories in the last two weeks have underlined his dominance this spring and a win over Gerwyn Price will be just the tonic.
Price has been struggling with a hand injury and may be out of sync this Thursday.
MVG has revenge on his mind following a semi-final loss to Price in Belfast.
6-5 looks likely as these two refuse to sacrifice their throw.
Gary Anderson v Jonny Clayton – 170 finish
Despite Gary Anderson’s ropey form in this season’s Premier League he is still a showman.
Together with Jonny Clayton we are expecting fireworks in this quarter-final with the distinct possibility of a 170 checkout worth a sniff at 9/1.
Clayton’s finishing has been on point in recent weeks so we reckon the Welshman is probably most likely.
Joe Cullen to beat Peter Wright
Peter Wright may well be the world number one, but the Scot does still have a few dodgy nights in the bag.
His reluctance to stick to a set of darts will always throw up the odd strange result and Joe Cullen is a man in good enough form to capitalise on this.
We like the look of the Masters champion to steal this one at 6/4
