Chizzy To Pile Misery On The Power

The last eight of the Premier League Darts continues with some cracking match-ups to look forward to this Thursday evening.

The Tournament So Far

Michael van Gerwen maintained his lead at the top of the Premier League table last Thursday with victory over Stephen Bunting, but the story of the night was Dave Chisnall’s double success in thrashing Gary Anderson 7-3 and James Wade 7-1 to close to just a point behind the leader. Raymond van Barneveld also pulled off a surprise, beating Phil Taylor to move off the bottom.

Dave Chisnall v Phil Taylor

Two weeks ago, Dave Chisnall beat Phil Taylor 7-4 and given his current form, it’s a surprise to see him available at bigger odds than the six-time champion. Taylor has won sixteen of their last twenty meetings but only two of the last four and is struggling for consistency. Chisnall has won four in a row and is a solid bet to pull off another win over the Power at 7/4.

Stephen Bunting v Adrian Lewis

Stephen Bunting has struggled on his Premier League debut and goes into this match at the bottom of the table having failed to win any of his last four. By contrast, Adrian Lewis has shown signs of a recovery, beating Peter Wright to avoid elimination and overcoming James Wade last time. Bunting won their last meeting, whilst Lewis is in better form, but neither has been consistent enough to back with any confidence.

James Wade v Gary Anderson

After a draw with Raymond van Barneveld and a crucial defeat to Dave Chisnall last week, Gary Anderson has lost some ground, but is still looking good for a top four finish. His opponent has the ability to beat anyone on his day, but hasn’t been able to produce his best form this year and goes into this game having lost his last three. With both players out of form, neither appeals as a betting proposition.

Raymond van Barneveld v Michael van Gerwen

These two compatriots are well matched on their overall head to head record, but Michael van Gerwen has dominated recently, winning four of their last five meetings and is a strong favourite to win again at odds of 4/9. But I think there could be some value in backing his opponent. Barney avoided elimination two weeks ago then pulled off an impressive win over Phil Taylor last week and at 9/2 is a decent outside bet.

Stephen Bunting v Phil Taylor

Bunting and Taylor go head to head for their second outings of the night in a match that is hard to call. Bunting has struggled for form in the tournament and lost 7-1 to Taylor last time, but his opponent has also been out of sorts, losing his last four. Taylor has only lost once to Bunting and is the favourite here, but in his current form, isn’t one to rely on at odds of 4/6.