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Premier League Darts Week 8 Preview


We’re reaching the half-way point in this season’s Premier League darts as eyes begin to focus on June’s play-offs.

Reaching three finals – winning two events – in four weeks, Michael van Gerwen is back in the Premier League driving seat leading the way with a massive 17 points.

Peter Wright, Jonny Clayton and Joe Cullen are the hottest on his heels making up the top four with Gary Anderson and James Wade rooted to the bottom with just seven points.

Michael Smith and James Wade are the two players that are yet to win a week – not the sort of title “Bully Boy” Smith was hoping for going into this campaign off the back of a strong start to 2022.

There are some mouthwatering quarter-finals set for Thursday with an all-Scottish clash between Peter Wright and Gary Anderson looking like one of the picks of the bunch.

Let’s take a look at the picks for week 8.

Michael van Gerwen -2.5 handicap v James Wade

The cogs in the relentless machine of “Mighty Mike” are turning freely again as MVG returns to mouthwatering form.

The Dutchman is beginning to flex his muscles in the Premier League, taking a massive 13 points from the last four nights, and next up is bottom-of-the-pile James Wade.

Wade has failed to win his quarter-final for three weeks on the spin now and will be there for the taking for van Gerwen.

Backing MVG with a handicap looks golden.

Joe Cullen to beat Gerwyn Price

Masters champion Joe Cullen toppled Gerwyn Price 6-5 back on Night 2, and after claiming the spoils in Rotterdam last week we’re expecting the “Rockstar’s” tail to be up.

Price has slipped out of the top four having recorded only one final spot in seven weeks and looks a little off the pace as he battles a hand injury.

Cullen’s scoring could be the difference in Birmingham and it’s too tempting to ignore him at 11/8.

Peter Wright v Gary Anderson Over 5.5 180s

If you take away Gary Anderson’s win from Night 6, the “Flying Scotsman” has lost his quarter-final five nights on the spin.

The former two-time world champion hasn’t looked totally comfortable or committed to this new format and it’s showing in a majority of his performances.

Peter Wright has squeaked up to second in the table following two semi-final outings but can sometimes blow hot and cold on the oche.

We’re assuming this one could go fairly long, opening up value in the over 5.5 180s market.

Michael Smith to beat Jonny Clayton

Despite being only one of two players without a week win, Michael Smith has been playing some super darts.

He’s made two of the last three finals and takes on a plateauing Clayton in the midlands.

Smith and Clayton are 1-1 so far in this season’s Premier League but “Bully Boy” appears to be coming to the boil a little stronger than the Welshman.

11/10 says Smith can pinch this one.