Premier League Darts heads to Aberdeen this Thursday with the eight stars back in action. We’re ten nights in to the new-look Premier League and the table is beginning to look familiar…
Five-time winner of the tournament, Michael van Gerwen, currently leads the way on 22 points having scooped three Night wins, with the “Ferret” Jonny Clayton snapping at his heels on 21.
James Wade and Peter Wright make up the rest of the top four, with Joe Cullen, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith and Gary Anderson running 5-8.
Michael Smith is now the only player not to win one of the Nights this season following James Wade’s win in week 10, but is still placed above Anderson due to two runner-up finishes.e
Let’s take a look at the picks for week 11:
Jonny Clayton v Gary Anderson – Over 5.5 180s at 5/4 with bet365*
Both Jonny Clayton and Gary Anderson are averaging around 2.5 maximums per match so far in the Premier League, and if their earlier 6-5 has anything to go by, these two should be pretty well matched in the opener.
Anderson should really have his tail up playing in front of a home crowd, so at least six maximums between the pair shouldn’t be much to ask on Thursday night.
Both players thrive on momentum and an early flurry of 180s should open the floodgates.
Peter Wright v Joe Cullen – Over 10.5 legs at 11/4 with Paddy Power
Peter Wright and Joe Cullen are 1-1 so far in the Premier League, splitting two competitive 6-4s.
Cullen has looked right at home in his debut Premier League season and will be looking to take advantage of Wright’s middling form.
“Snakebite” is the world number one, but hasn’t reached a Premier League Night final since Night 4.
Backing this one to go all the way in a 6-5 thriller either way is easy to argue.
James Wade 6-4 Michael Smith at 5/1 with bet365*
Poor Michael Smith is the last man standing to register a Night victory in the Premier League this season.
This fact rubs salt into the wound of the “Bully Boy” considering his winless record in major finals in the PDC.
Confidence is high in the James Wade camp following a Night 10 win with the “Machine” now reaching three finals on the spin.
Wade was swept 6-1 in their previous meeting in Night 6, but a close-run win for the “Machine” holds the value in Aberdeen.
- James Wade 6-4 Michael Smith at 5/1 with bet365* cta_button_2
Gerwyn Price v Michael van Gerwen – 170 finish in the match at 9/1 with Paddy Power
The Gerwyn-Gerwen derby usually guarantees fireworks on the oche.
Price is swimming against the tide this campaign with only one final appearance in Night 3, but it’s “Mighty Mike” who is flexing his muscles once again.
Van Gerwen has four final appearances across the last seven weeks, winning three Nights, and is beginning to stretch his legs at the top of the standings.
These two are the only two players with a 170 checkout so far in the Premier League and they both leave the “Big Fish” finish more than the rest of the field.
* Premier League Darts betting odds correct at the time of writing. Subject to changes.
