Premier League Darts
Another Thursday, another tussle with the bookies on the Premier League - this week from Birmingham.
Mensur Suljovic v Michael Smith
Smith is pretty much down and out of the competition now, so raising himself for could be difficult. Suljovic has probably ridden his luck a little to still be on the brink of qualification, but five wins in his last seven means he has a very real chance.
I'm happy to back him at 8/5 in the match betting with Bet Fred - especially with a 9-6 head to head advantage over his rival.
The same firm offer 7/4 that Smith scores over 100 on his first visit, which is surely too big - it's won in six of his 12 Premier League matches this season and he remains seriously strong on the treble 20.
1pt Suljovic to beat Smith at 8/5 (Betfred)
1pt Smith to score over 100 1st Three Darts at 7/4 (Betfred)
Rob Cross v Gerwyn Price
Cross found MvG too hot last week, finally pegging back the English star, and that sets up a terrific match against an in-form Gerwyn Price. The Welshman has picked up seven points in four matches now, and it leaves this match finely poised.
I'm definitely surprised to see Cross at odds-on across the board - especially with the venue ensuring Price will have at least a few home supporters in the crowd here.
Cross is 4-2 up on the head-to-head, but its nothing to read much into, and Price certainly has a punchers chance. I'm plumping for the draw at 15/4 (4.75) with Bet365 here in a match where breaks could be few and far between.
1pt Cross v Price to be a draw at 15/4 (Bet365)
Daryl Gurney v Peter Wright
Neither man has won for three weeks now, but it is Gurney who is performing at the higher level right now. He even turned up with spring loaded darts last time out as he continues to tweak his darts and throw more frequently than many change their pants.
Wright has a strong record between the men - overall leading 14 (W), 3 (D), 7 (L), and over the past two season's that improves to 3-3-1. Given general form, it's another match where I'd be delighted to be on the draw at 4/1 with SpreadEx - it's simply too long that.
The derivative markets aren't giving away much else, so we'll stick there on this match.
1pt Gurney v Wright to Draw at 4/1
James Wade v Michael van Gerwen
James Wade extended his lengthy unbeaten run in last week's Premier League, but then went down 6-5 to Kim Huybrechts in the German Grand Prix over the weekend.
MvG continued his unbeaten run in the tournament for a 3rd consecutive year, with wins over Krzysztof Ratajski, Stephen Bunting, Ted Evetts, Rob Cross and Simon Whitlock. It was never in doubt to be honest, and he turned in averages of 102, 106, 92, 94 and 106 along the way.
As well as Wade has been playing, he isn't in the same league as MvG, and it's likely Wade wouldn't have claimed the Players Championship double header if the Dutchman had been participating. MvG has now won six of the last 11 tournaments he has entered.
Let's take a chance on MvG winning this one 8-4 with a double break from 12 legs. Its 5/1 with Betway. We'll also back him to score over 100 with his 1st Three Darts at 6/4 - a winner last week, and every chance again here.
1pt MvG to win 8-4 at 5/1 (Betway)
1pt MvG to score over 100 1st 3 Darts at 6/4 (Betfred)