Barney Looks Value To Bash Anderson

The Premier League of Darts continues this Thursday with some cracking match-ups to sink our teeth into.

The Tournament So Far

Michael van Gerwen lost to Gary Anderson last Thursday, his second defeat of the tournament, but a 7-0 thrashing of James Wade sealed the world champion’s place in the play-offs. Anderson remains in third place, having lost his first game of the night to Stephen Bunting, whilst Raymond van Barneveld continued his strong form with a 7-5 victory over Dave Chisnall to move within one point of a place in the top four.

Dave Chisnall v Adrian Lewis

The battle for fourth place takes centre stage on Thursday and Adrian Lewis is the favourite to strike first, against Dave Chisnall. Lewis had looked down and out at one stage but has won three and drawn one of his last four, whilst his opponent has endured consecutive defeats. But Chisnall has played well for much of the tournament and only needs one victory to secure his play-off spot, and this is a tough one to call.

Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson

Having survived Elimination night, Raymond van Barneveld has hit a rich vein of form, beating Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Dave Chisnall to drag himself into play-off contention, and he can continue that run against another top four player. Gary Anderson has been more miss than hit in recent weeks and van Barneveld is surely the value in this contest. Back him at 11/5.

James Wade v Stephen Bunting

A top four finish for either of these players is unlikely, but Stephen Bunting can give himself a chance by edging this. He has struggled at times in his first crack at the Premier League, but has picked up in recent matches, putting up a decent show against Michael van Gerwen, drawing with Phil Taylor and thrashing Gary Anderson last time. He’s in better form than his opponent and offers a touch of value at 8/5.

Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor

Phil Taylor has never failed to make the Premier League play-offs, but that proud record is under threat this year. Although he has a one-point advantage over Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis, they could both overtake him on the night and he faces a tough run-in, starting with tonight’s match. He may be hoping that Michael van Gerwen eases up, having already qualified, but I can’t see that happening and given Taylor’s wobbly recent form, the world champion looks a solid bet at 9/10.

Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld

The tournament’s two in-form players go head to head in a match that could decide the battle for the final play-off spot. I think Raymond van Barneveld may edge it, but much could depend on how their earlier matches went, and with both players so closely matched, this doesn’t look like a match to get involved in.