Sport
Premier League Night 2 preview: Wright looking to go back-to-back
The new-look Premier League moves to Liverpool for Night 2, where every player will be desperate to get more points on the board.
It’s safe to say that the new version of the Premier League works. The format is a fantastic edition, making each night unique and exciting. There will still be difficulties which need ironing out but, as a first event, it was a hit.
Night 1 saw the Premier League debut of Joe Cullen, the world number one bow out in the first round and an absolute darting masterclass by the reigning world champion.
In this blog, we look at the market leaders for Thursday’s action.
Wright doing everything right
What an incredible performance from the world number two. He needed to bounce back in some way from his Masters misery and this was the perfect way to do it. A change in arrows from the world champion worked a treat, as he averaged 100.13, 98.43 and a whopping 113.02 to win Night 1. On that form he’s unplayable. Wright also added another title to his fantastic start to the year, after he was victorious in Players Championship 2 last weekend, when beating Gerwyn Price in the final.
Night 2 will be no walk in the park, as he plays Michael van Gerwen in round one, followed by the winner of Jonny Clayton/Michael Smith in the semi-finals. He’ll be well fancied against the out-of-form MVG and will also fancy his chances against either Clayton or Smith, having beaten both men on his way to Night 1 triumph. Snakebite is joint 7/2 favourite to win two consecutive nights.
A big night for Price
Gerwyn Price’s Premier League woes continued last week as he bowed out to James Wade in a first-round defeat, averaging just 89.12. By Gezzy’s high standards that won’t be good enough, especially after he signalled a return to form during his final run in Players Championship 2 over the weekend. Price has never set the Premier League on fire, with his highest finish being fifth place on two separate occasions, while he was forced to withdraw from last year’s event. The world number one has Peter Wright hot on his heels for the top spot, so would duly welcome a big performance.
For Night 2 in Liverpool, Gezzy faces a tough opponent in Gary Anderson, who reached the semi-finals of Night 1, narrowly losing out to the eventual winner Wright. That would be followed by a semi-final clash against the winner of Joe Cullen/James Wade. Gezzy shares the top of the market with Snakebite, currently priced at 7/2.
Clayton looking to go one better
Jonny Clayton’s Premier League title defence got off to an almost perfect start last week, beating Joe Cullen and James Wade on his way to the final. It was there he was met by an unstoppable Peter Wright. The Ferret won’t be too upset by that though, as he’s bagged a good set of points and must be feeling confident after that run.
The defending champion is 9/2 currently, and he starts his night off against world championship semi-finalist Michael Smith, which could be game of the night if both are firing on all cylinders. This will be followed by another tough match against the winner of Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen.
