World Matchplay Darts Final: Michael van Gerwin V James Wade Live – Can MVG Finally Win Title

Michael van Gerwin V James Wade
Sunday 26th July. 7:25PM. Sky Sports 1

After eight incredible days of darts at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, just two men remain in the hunt for the World Matchplay trophy and cheque for £100,000.

Both James Wade and Michael van Gerwin have been in top form this week. Just 18 legs separate them from the title, but who will come out on top?
It should be an absolute belter!

Mighty Mike Looking For 2015 Hat-Trick

Having already lifted two premier event titles in 2015, the 26-year-old Dutchman will be eager to finally get his hands on the World Matchplay. It’s a title that has previously eluded the young hotshot, but he’s now just one match away from ending that hoodoo.

MVG has averaged an incredible 103.53 three-dart average in Blackpool and boasts an impressive 48% checkout rate too. He breezed through Saturday’s semi-final against Peter Wright, clinching a 17-12 victory and will be firmly fancied to complete a wonderful nine days at Winter Gardens.

[quote_center]Get free bets up to £200 when you join Bet365 today![/quote_center]

The Dutchman will have learnt from last year’s final, where he was obliterated by Phil Taylor. He also lost Mya’s Premier League final to Gary Anderson, so we can expect to see a determined MVG tonight.

If he’s on top form, it could be over quickly.

Can The Machine Manufacture A Win?

It has been eight long years since James Wade clinched his first title at Winter Gardens, but the Machine has played superbly this week and is now just 18 legs shy of a second.

A three-dart average of 99.08 is a little short of MVG’s record, but if Wade is on top form he can take this game all the way. Assuming the Dutchman does experience a dip in form at some point, the Machine has to take advantage.

He hasn’t shown as often as he’d like in recent years but the 32-year-old has improved over the past year or so and is somewhere near his best once more. He underlined his quality against Phil Taylor in the semi, and certainly won’t be scared about this final.

Tied on eight apiece, Wade and MVG are joint second in the overall in the list of majors’ wins. Who will edge in front by claiming a memorable victory tonight?

World Matchplay Darts Final: Michael van Gerwin v James Wade Betting Preview

Unsurprisingly, MVG is the heavy favourite for tonight’s final and is priced 2/9 to clinch the title with Bet365. Wade on the other hand, is available at 10/3.

While we cannot see any reason to think MVG can’t get his hands on the title, Wade shouldn’t be ruled out completely. It’s a long match and we can expect the Dutchman to suffer a dip in form at some stage.

Admittedly, Might Mike will probably enjoy a spell of pure dominance. But Wade can at least make this competitive.

[quote_center]Tip:Over 30.5 legs @ 5/6 with Bet365[/quote_center]

Because we think this match will go a fair distance, we’re also backing Overs on the 180 line. However, instead of taking the match total, we’re opting for MVG’s individual tally.

If the match last the duration, over 11.5 should be smashed. If not, MVG still has a fantastic chance of adding to the 30 he already has.

[quote_center]Tip:MVG Over 11.5 180s @ 11/10 with Bet365[/quote_center]

Finally, we’re placing a small bet on the match score. This one’s mainly a bit of fun. Don’t get too involved.

[quote_center]Tip:MVG to win 18-15 @ 10/1 with Bet365[/quote_center]