Van Gerwen: "I'm going to stop him and he knows I want to. He's a good player and it's about time it comes out because he's a phenomenal talent"
Thursday 22 March 2018 20:47, UK
Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith will contest an eagerly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash when the Premier League Darts roadshow heads to the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday night.
Van Gerwen and Smith are locked together on 10 points at the top of the table, with 'The Green Machine' leading the way via legs difference.
Thursday night's tussle in Scotland will give both players the opportunity to move two points clear at the top following seven matches, but neither man needs any extra incentive.
Van Gerwen set a world-record average of 123.40 in the pair's only previous Premier League meeting in Aberdeen in 2016, with the Dutchman running out a 7-1 winner on that occasion.
The world No 1 will be hoping to register his fifth consecutive league victory on Thursday and he is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against the season's early pace-setter.
Van Gerwen said: "I always have good games against Michael. It's going to be a tough one also for him because he did well up to now.
"I'm going to stop him and he knows I want to. He's a good player and it's about time it comes out because he's a phenomenal talent.
"I know I can raise my game a lot more but I'm winning and that's the most important thing. It's a tough schedule ahead but I'm top of the table and I only want to be at the top."
Smith was eliminated on Judgement Night in his debut Premier League campaign in 2016, registering the solitary victory from his nine matches.
Nevertheless, he made a flying start on his return to the fold, winning his opening four matches which secured him an early cushion at the top of the table.
He suffered a disappointing defeat to Rob Cross on night five, before returning to winning ways with a comprehensive 7-1 victory over Peter Wright last week.
I know I'm playing okay, and you want to play the best players in the world to see what else you need to improve on.
However, 'Bully Boy' is anticipating fireworks ahead of his meeting with MVG. "This game and the game against Gary Anderson were the two I was looking forward to when I got back in the Premier League," said Smith.
"I love playing Michael. He's one of the nice lads, we have a laugh but when we're playing he gets on with the game. He believes in his ability, the way I do, and hopefully there will be some fireworks this week.
"It could go six-all and be over in ten minutes with how quick it is, but I'm really looking forward to that game.
"I know I'm playing okay, and you want to play the best players in the world to see what else you need to improve on. I'll know that if I lose what I need to work on."
The 2018 Premier League heads to the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday, with coverage underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Main Event. Eight weeks of tungsten action will then continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
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