Last week’s enthralling action in Aberdeen saw Michael van Gerwen lose his unbeaten record, Barney back at his best, and Phil Taylor picking up three points from a possible four in his double fixture round.
There are just four rounds of fixtures left before the play-offs, but who will boost their own chances at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff?
Despite holding Phil Taylor to a draw in the final match of the night last week, Bunting’s hopes of reaching the play-offs in his debut Premier League season have now all-but faded away – even if he wins his remaining four fixtures. It’s been an encouraging first season for Bunting though, and he has certainly shown he is capable of performing at this level, beating Adrian Lewis and Dave Chisnall in the early weeks, while also taking points off James Wade and Phil Taylor.
Currently sitting in third-place, three points ahead of the chasing pack, you’d expect Gary Anderson to be featuring in this season’s play-offs. This is an important round for the Scot though, as there are two fixtures in the night for him, with the second coming against MVG – making this first fixture a must-win if he wants to stay comfortable in his play-off position.
Verdict: Gary Anderson win – 8/13 at Paddy Power
Michael van Gerwen’s unbeaten record came grinding to a halt last week, as he was soundly beaten by his resurgent compatriot, Raymond van Barneveld. MVG continues to lead the pack though and is all-but assured of his play-off position.
James Wade, meanwhile, put in a solid performance to earn a point against Gary Anderson last week, but don’t expect him to end his winless streak – currently standing at four – here, though.
Verdict: Michael van Gerwen win – 4/7 at BetVictor
Barney is bang back in form following his relegation scare just three weeks ago. Comprehensive back-to-back wins over Phil Taylor and van Gerwen show he is most certainly not done with Premier League Darts yet this season. He’ll need to continue that winning streak here though if he wants get right into the play-off mix.
Standing in Barney’s way is one of this season’s form players, Dave Chisnall, who remains second in the table. Chizzy prevailed with a 7-5 victory when these two met way back in week two, but the Dutchman looks in imperious form at the moment with a point to prove.
Verdict: Raymond van Barneveld win – 6/4 at SkyBet
Just one win from his last four will have frustrated Taylor, in a competition where he is yet to find any consistency this season. He holds onto the fourth play-off spot by the skin of his teeth at the moment, and faces an intriguing opponent in Adrian Lewis, who ever-so-narrowly missed out on relegation in week nine, but has now won his last three to move into play-off contention.
Lewis is just one point behind The Power, but does boast a game in hand – making this a potentially pivotal fixture for the pair.
Verdict: Phil Taylor win – 11/10 at William Hill
In a big end to the night’s action, first meets third in what should be an intriguing battle.
Both look almost certainly to feature in the play-offs, but they’ll be eager to finish as high up the table as possible. A win for Anderson would keep league leader van Gerwen in his sights for the time being.
MVG triumphed 7-4 when they last met in Liverpool.
Verdict: Michael van Gerwen win – 21/20 at Boylesports
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