Two players are set to be chopped from Premier League Darts 2015 following this round of fixtures, but who will pull out a big performance at the Phone 4u Arena in Manchester on Thursday?
I correctly predicted four of the five results last week – so well done if you got in on that – and there’s some more predictions for each match again below.
Relegation: as it stands
While bottom-of-the-table, Kim Huybrechts, still has a mathematical chance of survival, he will require a convincing win over Stephen Bunting, while hoping that Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld both suffer defeats. It seems, therefore, that the Belgian’s debut season in the Premier League looks set to come to a premature end.
With Huybrechts likely to be a goner, that leaves one remaining relegation spot, with Stephen Bunting, Peter Wright, Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis all still in danger – the latter of whom currently occupies the dreaded position.
What is inevitable, though, is that it will all come down to the final match of the night in Manchester – as seventh-place Peter Wright takes on ninth-place Adrian Lewis, in what could prove to be a relegation play-off.
| # | Name | Pld | W | D | L | +/- | Pts |
| 1 | Michael van Gerwen | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | +23 | 14 |
| 2 | Gary Anderson | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | +14 | 12 |
| 3 | Dave Chisnall | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | +14 | 11 |
| 4 | James Wade | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +8 | 9 |
| 5 | Phil Taylor | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | +7 | 9 |
| 6 | Stephen Bunting | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | −8 | 6 |
| 7 | Peter Wright | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | –14 | 6 |
| 8 | Raymond van Barneveld | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -13 | 5 |
| 9 | Adrian Lewis | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -14 | 5 |
| 10 | Kim Huybrechts | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | −17 | 3 |
Michael van Gerwen v James Wade
The league leader looks unstoppable at the moment, and remains unbeaten this season. But he faces a formidable opponent in fourth-place, James Wade, who hasn’t lost any of his last three.
Verdict: Michael van Gerwen win – 8/15 at Stan James
Stephen Bunting v Kim Huybrechts
Huybrechts needs a win and some favourable results to stand any chance of staying in the competition, while Bunting also needs a point to ensure his own safety.
Despite losing 7-4 to Gary Anderson last week, Bunting has impressed in his debut Premier League Darts season. Huybrechts has also put in some strong showings, but has often buckled when it comes to hitting doubles at important moments.
Verdict: Stephen Bunting win – 7/5 at Boylesports
Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld
It’s been a disappointing season for Barney, who, don’t forget is the reigning champion. Indeed, a win is a must for the Dutchman here – if he suffers another defeat here, he’ll have to wait and hope until the last game of the night that Adrian Lewis doesn’t beat Peter Wright, which would cause a shock relegation for Barney.
Anderson, too, will be a very tough opponent for van Barneveld, with the Scot second in table after consistently strong showings this season.
Verdict: Draw – 10/3 at bet365 or Betfred
Phil Taylor v Dave Chisnall
Chisnall returned to winning ways last week with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Adrian Lewis. That result left Chissy in third-place and he’ll be hoping for a victory over The Power in order to create a real cushion in the play-off places.
Taylor will be disappointed with his current position of fifth, but you’d have to fancy him to have the class to dispose of Chisnall here to get back in the play-off spots.
Verdict: Phil Taylor win – 4/7 at BetVictor or Stan James
Adrian Lewis v Peter Wright
In the big match of the night, Adrian Lewis takes on Peter Wright in what could well end up being a relegation face-off.
Lewis could stay up if he draws and Barney loses, but he’ll want to take no chances with that. However, if van Barneveld does indeed win, then this match will see the winner survive and the loser relegated. What a finale it should be.
Verdict: Peter Wright win – 7/4 at 888sport or Coral
