Premier League Darts – Michael Van Gerwen and Phil Taylor Clash In Aberdeen

Last week’s Premier League Darts action in Sheffield was enthralling, but the temperature will be raised a notch tonight when big guns Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor, currently No 1 and No 2 respectively in the world rankings, clash at the GE Gas and Oil Arena in Aberdeen.

Taylor will be eager to put Mighty Mike in his place. Not only has the Stoke thrower been displaced as the World Champion and as No 1 in the rankings by the Dutchman, but he was also whitewashed by his bitter rival in Liverpool 10 weeks ago.

Does Phil still have The Power to beat Van Gerwen?

There’s no two ways about it, Van Gerwen, who will also square up against Adrian Lewis tonight, deserves his place at the top of the pecking order. And regardless of what happens this evening, chances are he’ll still walk away with the Premier League crown next month.

However, the 24-year-old may find an ultra-motivated Taylor too hot to handle in Scotland. The Power hasn’t been at his brilliant best for much of this season, but he did the job well when readily seeing off Jackpot in Sheffield last week and he will capitalise on any errors Mighty Mike makes.

I suspect this will be a high-scoring game with little to choose between the two men when the dust settles. The Dutchman is rightly favourite at 6/5 with most firms, but I have a strong feeling that Taylor will edge it, so recommend getting stuck into the 6/4 widely available.

Thornton looks sweet in his own backyard

Raymond van Barneveld has been a model of consistency this season and the Dutch legend will be on a high following victories over Dave Chisnall and the in-form Peter Wright in Yorkshire last week.

Barney is generally a shade of odds on to beat Robert Thornton tonight, but I reckon the Scotsman will be a tough nut to crack on home soil. He’s only eighth in the Premier League standings at present, but The Thorn won the Pro Tour title in Wigan on Sunday so he arrives here in good form.

With confidence and momentum on his side, the Ayrshire man rates a cracking bet at a generous-looking 5/2 with BetVictor to overcome Barney tonight.

Premier League Darts Betting Advice

Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor – Phil Taylor win 6/4 (Bet365)
Robert Thornton v Raymond van Barneveld – Robert Thornton win 5/2 (BetVictor)