Darts Premier League
Premier League Preview: Night 4 set for more drama
The Premier League returns on Thursday, with one of the main focal points being the incredible battle raging on between Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright.
The Iceman fended off Snakebite in the final of the International Darts Open last week to keep his place as world number one but sees his top spot in danger once more during this weekend’s UK Open. But first, the Premier League arrives in Exeter for Night 4.
In this blog we preview the action, taking a closer look at the market leaders.
Price and Wright’s battle rages on
One of the most enthralling stories of the year has been playing out over the past few weeks, with the battle between Gezzy Price and Peter Wright heating up. Snakebite has been hot on the heels of the Iceman, vying to make the top spot his own. He could potentially do that at this weekend’s UK Open, but first, the pair will meet in their opening game on Night 4.
Although the Premier League is a non-ranking event, a win for either man will be a huge boost going into the weekend, potentially having a huge sway on who ends the week as the world number one.
As mentioned above, the pair last met in the International Darts Open where the Iceman came out on top. It’s also worth noting that Price finally found his Premier League form during Night 3, sinking two nine-darters and becoming the third winner of the new format. If he’s on that sort of form again here, he could be untouchable.
Just to make this clash even more mouth-watering, the pair have accumulated the same number of points in this year’s Premier League, only separated on leg difference, with Price second and Wright third.
Price is favourite to come on top once again here (8/11) and is also favourite to win two consecutive Premier League Nights (7/2). Peter Wright is third in the betting to win his second Night of this year’s Premier League (4/1). One thing is for sure – this could certainly be the match of the night.
Clayton aiming to bounce back
League-leader Jonny Clayton (4/1) was unable to continue his impressive Premier League run on Night 3, being dumped out in the opening round to eventual finalist James Wade. Clayton reached the final of the two previous events, however, winning Night 2. He’ll fancy his chances this week, with one of Price and Wright set to go out early doors and the Ferret already having beaten two of the three opponents on his side of the draw.
He starts the night against Michael van Gerwen (9/2), who has yet to reach a final in this year’s tournament, but has made it to the semi-finals in the last two events. The pair have already met in this year’s competition, both averaging over 100 with Clayton the eventual winner.
Clayton also enjoyed a fruitful run in the International Darts Open over the weekend, reaching the semi-finals before going out at the hands of Peter Wright. MVG didn’t fare as well, being knocked out by Danny Noppert in the third round.
The winner between the pair will go on to face either Joe Cullen or Michael Smith in the semi-finals.
Bullyboy yet to make his mark
As mentioned above, Joe Cullen meets Michael Smith in their opening game of Night 4. Michael Smith is yet to make a statement in this year’s Premier League, currently occupying the bottom spot and yet to pick up a point. He was widely tipped to have a great year after his World Championship final run, so it must be frustrating for him to be faltering so far.
He looked good over the course of the International Darts Championship, posting a +100 average and reaching the quarter-finals before running into Peter Wright. This could be the night where he kickstarts his campaign and is currently priced at 9/1 to go all the way.
However, as always in the Premier League, it won’t be an easy ride with Joe Cullen in his opening match. Cullen has found another level this year, winning the Masters before notching back-to-back Players’ Championship successes. The Rockstar has had mixed fortune in this year’s Premier League so far, bowing out in the opening round of Nights 1 and 3, while being desperately unlucky to not beat Jonny Clayton in the final of Night 2. He’s currently 10/1 to go one better this week.
The Machine looking consistent
Night 3 finalist and 2003 Premier League winner James Wade (12/1) will face two-time Premier League winner Gary Anderson (12/1), who has had a troublesome run in the opening three nights. Anderson’s only victory came on Night 1 when beating MVG. Since then, he’s lost to both Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright. Although, averaging over 90 in each of those defeats, he’s not gone down easily and will relish the chance to build up a run.
It’s been Wade who has been playing the more consistent darts recently, reaching the final of Night 3 and the quarter-final of the International Darts Open. Whoever gets through faces the very tough task of either Gerwyn Price or Peter Wright in the semis.
