- Andrew Gilding +3.5 legs vs Michael van Gerwen - 7/4 with Betfred
- Rob Cross to beat Michael Smith - 4/6 with Betfred
We’re narrowing in on the Matchplay finals weekend in Blackpool but there is still the little matter of two quarter-finals to complete on Friday night.
In action are four major winners who have had careers consisting of different highs and lows, three of those that are former world champions… so expect fireworks on the Winter Gardens oche.
We kick things off with Michael van Gerwen vs Andrew Gilding followed by Michael Smith vs Rob Cross in what could be considered a real 50/50 match-up.
Let’s take a look at the best tips for Friday night’s action, plus the best darts betting offers from the top betting sites.
World Matchplay Darts Betting Tips
Andrew Gilding +3.5 legs vs Michael van Gerwen
This may look like a David vs Goliath match-up on paper, but we’re expecting Andrew Gilding to put up more than a decent fight on Friday night.
The 2023 UK Open champion has kicked out Peter Wright and Krzysztof Ratajski already this week averaging 94 and 98, and his record against MVG is pretty encouraging as well.
These two have met twice in recent years, with the pair tied at 16-16 on leg aggregate across a win for either.
Van Gerwen has had two good wins against Luke Littler and Joe Cullen in Blackpool but isn’t playing at his ruthless best.
Gilding has impressed and has the ability to push the Dutchman all the way here.
Rob Cross to beat Michael Smith
These two players know each other’s games inside out.
They’ve played 18 times over the last seven years, and although Rob Cross leads this head-to-head 12-6, their recent meetings have been pretty even.
They have taken four each in the last eight clashes, but Cross will have the happier memories in Blackpool after besting “Bully Boy” in the 2019 final 18-13, adding to Smith’s woes before he was able to bag an illusive major crown.
Both men have averaged three-figures in matches this week – Cross twice, 100 and 107 in a dominant 11-6 win over Ryan Searle on Wednesday night.
Smith is hard to beat at his best, but it’s hard to argue that he is at his very best this week in Blackpool – he let Chris Dobey back into Wednesday’s second round tie when 18 months ago he would have cantered to the line. “Bully Boy” should have the crowd on his side, but Cross revels in being the underdog, even if the odds disagree.
“Voltage” is a good bet here after a good season on tour – and he should be able to reach his second quarter-final in eight Matchplay attempts.
Top Darts Betting Offers & Free Bets
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