For the third consecutive night, Premier League darting action comes live from the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, with tonight the final round of matches in phase one – known as Judgement Night.
Whoever is bottom of the pile after tonight’s five matches will be relegated, of those in danger, former world champion Rob Cross looks favourite to be eliminated as he currently occupies ninth place.
Cross Can Grind It Out
In-danger Cross has struggled for form of late, while in contrast his opponent tonight, league leader Glen Durrant, is flying high having toppled Michael van Gerwen on Wednesday.
2018 world champion Cross is one point and one place behind Daryl Gurney and knows at least a draw is needed to have any chance of survival.
He will need to improve on his effort last night when comfortably beaten 7-3 by the impressive Michael Smith, but there were glimmers of hope in that performance, which included a sensational 143 checkout.
With his back against the wall here, Cross can trouble Gurney and the draw is an appealing wager at 16/5.
A Tight Tussle for Play-Off Places
At the other end of the table, players are jostling for play-off positions ahead of phase two. After tonight’s action there will be another seven nights of matches before the top four players progress through.
Currently sitting in fourth place is Smith, who impressed last night with some heavy scoring. He is 27/20 to beat fifth-placed Nathan Aspinall, who has performed well in his first full season in the Premier League.
Aspinall is a two-time world championship semi-finalist and could prove a tough nut to crack, the most appealing price on offer for this one is the draw at 3/1.
MVG Dominance Over Anderson
Expect box office from the oche when two former world and Premier League champions go toe-to-toe in the feature match tonight in Milton Keynes.
World number one Van Gerwen was surprisingly beaten by league leader Durrant last night, but he is fancied to bounce back to winning ways this evening as he takes on the ‘Flying Scotsman’ Anderson.
Anderson’s inconsistencies of late would be cause for concern, but even more worrying for the two-time world champion is his shocking recent record against ‘Mighty Mike’.
Van Gerwen has won his last seven matches against Anderson, whose fluent and rapid play clearly suits the Dutchman, who is 20/33 to come out on top and looks banker material.
Gerwyn Price (20/43) and Peter Wright (10/17) are worthy favourites in the remaining two matches tonight and can be included in any multiples.
*All odds correct at time of writing
