Premier League Darts Night Six: Chizzy challenges leader Van Gerwen

Read on, as Coral writers preview Thursday’s fixtures and best bets…

Michael Smith v Gary Anderson

Bully Boy got his first Premier League win on the board versus Barney last time out, but was given the UK Open elbow by outsider Stuart Kellett, meaning the youngster’s form is a mixed bag.

Still, Smith is 7/2 to take advantage of the Flying Scotsman after Anderson (8/15 favourite) showed weakness at the weekend. The world champ will surely not be as complacent on Thursday evening, however, but Smith could still prove a fruitful punt at 11/8 for most maximums.

Peter Wright v Adrian Lewis

Lewis is lagging just one point behind rival Wright in the Premier League standings, with the pair each humbled by heavy defeats in Exeter.

Much is at stake in this match-up then, with odds of 10/3 for a second ever Premier League draw between them, with both arrowsmith superstars priced at 11/8 for victory.

Though, Jackpot has clocked up three straight wins against his Scottish foe, so seems a slightly better bet at 6/1 than Snakebite, who must bounce back from missing out on yet another major, to be King of the Oche (to win match, most 180s and highest checkout. If any of the markets are tied, bets will be settled as losers).

Raymond van Barneveld v James Wade

This should be another riveting and closely contested clash, with Wade (an enticing 11/8 for victory) also seeking to get over weekend disappointment.

The Machine was slick to sink Chizzy last time out in the Premier League and, though the Englishman has a 19 to 22 losing record in battles versus Barney, the Dutchman is back to his old ways of letting winnable games slide.

Van Barneveld (also 11/8 for the match) was far from his best against The Power in the UK Open and has been beaten in two straight Premier League matchweeks, leaving Wade looking better value.

Robert Thornton v Phil Taylor

Troubled tungsten favourite The Thorn is a huge underdog here, with a price of 13/2 for the spoils, while titan Taylor is an expected odds-on 1/2 shout for the win.

The Premier League appears to have reinvigorated The Power, who sits second in the table and hot on leader MvG’s heels, only behind his younger rival on legs but equal on points.

Back to his best in the UK Open also, wily Taylor was taking out doubles with panache, and so is best value here at 21/10 to be King of the Oche against rock-bottom Thornton.

Dave Chisnall v Michael van Gerwen

What a way to draw the evening to a close, as English hope Chisnall takes on deadly Dutch dartsman Van Gerwen, in what should be a dazzling display of fine finishing ability on the oche.

Chizzy fell to world champion Anderson in the UK Open, but did bare his teeth against the Scot, claiming seven sets, so is not outrageous at 13/2 for this match.

Though, few would want to face record breaking Mighty Mike (overwhelming 1/4 favourite) at the moment, after he completed 170 checkouts and a nine-darter on his rampant run to the trophy at Butlins.

Expect power scoring and high averages here then, with MvG worth grabbing at 9/1 for another 170 checkout, but 180 specialist Chizzy also tempting at 6/5 to give as good as he gets by notching most maximums.

Related

For more Premier League action check out our specialist darts section.