Premier League Darts 2018: Week 2 Preview & Betting Tips Thursday 8th February

Following an incredible opening night in Dublin, the PDC’s top 10 superstars head to Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena to serve up another five mouth-watering best of 12 showdowns.

The season is still early, but players will be desperate for points as they look to pull away from the relegation zone. From start to finish, it should be a fascinating night of action. Game on.

Can Rob Cross Get His Season Up And Running

Since starting the calendar year by winning the sport’s ultimate prize, the world champion has really struggled for form. After a disappointing Masters last month, Rob Cross opened suffered a 7-2 defeat on his Premier League debut before enduring a difficult weekend at the UK Open qualifiers. And things could get a loss worse as he takes on Simon Whitlock.

At a glance, facing the Australian would seem to be the perfect opportunity to get things back on track. Then again, the Wizard was simply magical in Dublin, registering a 106 average and a simply phenomenal 87.5% checkout rate. If the 48-year-old can repeat that level of performance, Cross will do well to even gain a point.

Cross has shown he has the ability and the nerves to do ti on the big stage, though, and sparks could fly as the former electrician aims to make a huge signal of intent with a victory in this one. Voltage won three of four head-to-head meetings in 2017, and will hope to use that momentum here.

We could be in for an epic battle.

Anderson In Danger Of Falling Behind

It’s difficult not to feel sorry for Gary Anderson right now as the two-time Premier League winner continues to struggle with ongoing back problems. Last week’s average of 82.46 just isn’t like the Flying Scotsman, and a similar showing against Gerwyn Price could put him in real danger of failing to make the cut on week nine. For relegation favourite Price, this is the ideal opportunity to gain an early season boost.

Meanwhile, world number one Michael van Gerwen has started 2018 in bullish form following the disappointment at Ally Pally. The Dutchman faces another tough test against Peter Wright, but if he performs as he did against Cross in Dublin, MVG should be set to keep u[ his 100% record.

Elsewhere, Raymond van Barneveld and Mensur Suljovic each seek their first wins as they face each other in Wales. The Austrian will have been gutted to lose against Whitlock last week, especially with a 103.71 average, and will desperate to make amends here.

Finally, in the opening content of the night, Micahel Smith aims to make it two wins from two against Daryl Gurney, who opened his account by registering the most maximums on week one with a draw against Barney. All in all, it should be a cracking night in front of the passionate Cardiff crowd.

Premier League Darts Week 2 Betting

Last week’s action provided the foundations for a phenomenal tournament, and there should be plenty more drama on week two. We’re expecting it to start wit the opening match between Smith and Gurney.

The two stars are fairly evenly matched and we’re backing that to show with this clash going all the way.

BET: Over 11.5 legs in Smith v Gurney @ 11/10 with Betfair

Our second bet of the night is a double in which we’re backing positive nights for Price and MVG. While we think the Dutchman’s class will shine through against Wright, we’re tipping Anderson’s bad back to play a big role once more.

At 23/10, this double looks very tempting indeed.

BET: MVG most 180s (v Wright) and Price or Draw (v Anderson) @23/10 with Coral