Premier League Darts – Has Phil Got The Power To Reach The Playoffs?

The Premier League Darts season is rapidly approaching its climax, and the show rolls on to Brighton this evening for Week 15’s round of matches.
Current champion and World No 1 Michael van Gerwen has already booked his place in the playoffs at the O2 next week, as has fellow countryman Raymond van Barneveld.

However, with just two additional spots in London left remaining it will be a tense night for Gary Anderson and Phil Taylor, with both players currently on 18 points, and Peter Wright who is in their slipstream with 17 points on the board.

Much will depend on how motivated their respective opponents are. Anderson and Wright will square up against the aforementioned Dutch duo that have both already qualified, while The Power will take on Robert Thornton who has already been effectively eliminated.

Though there’s an additional £5,000 prize-money on offer for every additional place up the table a player finishes, Barney and Mighty Mike will most likely now have one eye on the main event in London.

Here’s TV Bet’s verdict on the three key games…

Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld

This is set to be a very tight match. For Anderson a victory would seal his place in the playoffs, though there is a good chance that he’ll still progress if he secures a draw. A defeat and it’ll probably be curtains.

As Barney’s ticket for the O2 is already on the table, it’s difficult to know how revved-up he’ll be this evening. On the one hand playing without pressure could be a positive. Conversely, if the desire isn’t there The Flying Scotsman will swoop.

How closely matched these two throwers are is reflected in the betting, with many firms going 11/8 each of two. Van Barneveld has only lost two games all season so many will see him as decent value tonight, but I reckon Anderson will edge it.

Premier League Darts betting advice
Gary Anderson to beat Raymond van Barneveld – 11/8 SkyBet

Robert Thornton v Phil Taylor

Despite failing to muscle his way into a potential playoff spot, Thornton has been in really good form recently so this won’t be a walk in the park for Phil Taylor by any means.

However, while that’s true, The Power has been there and got every t-shirt that can be got in this sport, and I’m expecting him to exhibit the requisite sangfroid to emerge on top and book his place in the playoffs.

At a top-priced 2/5 there’s no value in backing Taylor in the match betting, but the 5/6 on offer with bet365 about the Stoke thrower -2.5 in the handicap betting is tempting.

Premier League Darts betting advice:
Phil Taylor -2.5 in the handicap betting – 5/6 Bet365

Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen

Snakebite has the toughest game on his hands of the trio pursuing a playoff berth, with Van Gerwen standing between him and the O2.
Wright is fearless, though, and will approach this game in a positive frame of mind. As this is the last match of the night, the Scot will know exactly where he stands – and the result he needs – by the time he takes to the stage.

However, as much as Wright arguably deserves a place in the playoffs, I reckon Mighty Mike will want to remind everyone that he is top dog. The Dutchman will prove too strong in my opinion and the champ to win 7-3 in the correct score betting is the way to go.

Premier League Darts betting advice:
Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the correct score market – 19/4 Stan James