Sky Bet's Craig Ibbotson runs through the betting ahead of Week Two of the Premier League.
Sky Bet Darts Trader Craig Ibbotson talks us through what promises to be a pulsating second week of the 2013 Premier League.
After an entertaining first week in Belfast which saw Robert Thornton, James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld victorious, concluding with a dramatic draw between Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor which saved the bookies from a disastrous opening night.
Week Two sees some cracking matches as we head to Aberdeen, both Gary Anderson and Thornton will be looking to ride the home support and Taylor will look to get off the mark against two-times World Champion Adrian Lewis.
Wes Newton (3/1) v Raymond van Barneveld (8/13)
A bright start from Newton in week one ended in disaster as he couldn't hit a double for love nor money, so he will be looking to open his Premier League account vs Barney. In contrast Barney was sensational in week one and took Anderson apart, looking precise on the treble 20 and relentless on the checkouts. Scotland is like a second home to van Barneveld and the crowd love him up there, so expect Aberdeen to be a happy home coming for Barney.
Best bet: Barney to win - 8/13
Andy Hamilton (7/4) v James Wade (11/10)
Both players struggled in the opening week although both finished with different results. Hammer struggled against Thornton's scoring power and Wade scrambled home in a low standard game vs Newton. Expect better from both tonight but there is no surprise to see the draw the shortest price in this match compared to any other and I expect them both to scrap to a 6-6.
Best bet: Draw - 7/2
Gary Anderson (6/4) v Simon Whitlock (5/4)
Anderson looks to get off the mark in Scotland tonight after running into an impressive RvB last week, his performance was better than a couple who gained maximum points and he will be confident of registering on the points table this week vs Simon Whitlock. Whitlock was unimpressive even though he beat Lewis in week one and expect the crowd to be the factor.
Best bet: Anderson or Draw - 4/7
Adrian Lewis (4/1) v Phil Taylor (1/2)
Lewis was well below par in week one and he cannot afford to be off the boil against The Power in week two. Taylor was not at his best in a nervy game vs MvG but his nerve to come back and level was impressive. Lewis has a great recent record against Taylor in the Premier League but he will need to up his game to compete tonight.
Best bet: Taylor to win 7-5 - 9/2
Robert Thornton (7/2) v Michael van Gerwen (8/15)
Both players enjoyed great displays in week one to continue their excellent form from 2012 and head into tonight's clash brimming with confidence. Thornton is very much the home player tonight and it will be interesting to see how van Gerwen reacts when the crowd is against him as it will certainly be unknown territory for the Dutch Wonderkid. Hard to judge the standard of the game with the crowd influence tonight, but one things for sure I don't expect the real MvG to turn up in these conditions.
Best bet: Thornton to win - 7/2
