Darts Premier League
Premier League Darts Night One Predictions
The 2026 Premier League Darts season opens in Newcastle on Thursday, with a blockbuster Night One line-up that has the feel of a mini-Major.
World champion Luke Littler, defending Premier League winner Luke Humphries and seven-time champion Michael van Gerwen all take to the stage, alongside debutants Gian van Veen and Josh Rock and returning stars Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton and Stephen Bunting.
Josh Rock (4/6) vs Jonny Clayton (6/5)
The night begins with a clash between newcomer Josh Rock and former Premier League champion Jonny Clayton. Rock arrives off a year of steady progression that included a World Cup win for Northern Ireland and deep runs at the World Matchplay and UK Open. Clayton, though vastly more experienced, had an up-and-down 2025 campaign and sometimes struggles to keep pace with the very biggest power scorers over short races.
Prediction: Rock’s firepower gives him the edge in a best-of-11 format and he can be backed at 4/6 to go through.
Luke Littler (2/5) vs Gian van Veen (19/10)
Next up is a rematch of January’s World Championship final, as Luke Littler meets Gian van Veen. Littler dismantled the Dutchman 7–1 at Alexandra Palace to claim back-to-back world titles and comes in as the sport’s undisputed superstar and tournament favourite. Van Veen has been superb over the last 12 months and fully deserves his Premier League debut, but he has yet to find a way to consistently trouble Littler in their head-to-heads.
Prediction: Van Veen should raise his level on this stage and he’ll feel he has a point to prove given his recent record against his opponent, but Littler’s scoring and finishing under pressure look too strong right now. The World champ is fancied to prevail at 2/5.
Luke Humphries (8/13) vs Gerwyn Price (13/10)
Reigning champion Luke Humphries starts his title defence with perhaps the tie of the night against Gerwyn Price. Humphries has been in outstanding form but Price remains one of the most dangerous players on tour – especially when he feeds off a hostile crowd – and he pushed Humphries hard throughout last season’s campaign.
Prediction: This feels destined to go the distance, but Humphries’(8/13) recent big‑match record just tilts it his way.
Stephen Bunting (13/10) vs Michael van Gerwen (8/13)
The quarter-final line-up finishes with Stephen Bunting against Michael van Gerwen. Bunting enjoyed a resurgence in 2025 and returns to the Premier League with a point to prove after past criticism of his performances in this event last year. Van Gerwen, by contrast, has shown flashes of his old brilliance but also long spells of inconsistency, looking more vulnerable than at any point during his dominant peak.
Prediction: If Bunting brings his recent TV form and holds his nerve on the outer ring, he is well capable of springing a surprise. While the odds lean against him (13/10), a Bunting win feels more than possible.
