Friday 6 May 2016 08:38, UK
Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor will continue their battle for top spot in the Premier League on night 14 in Manchester.
The Dutchman moved above Taylor on leg difference after last week's matches in Birmingham and the top two return to action on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.
All four play-off spots are yet to be decided and precious points are up for grabs as players attempt to secure a place at the season-ending night at The O2.
This is a win-or-bust encounter for both players, who desperately need a victory to keep alive their hopes of snatching a spot in the top four.
Wade and Wright are both three points adrift of fourth-placed Lewis, but had differing fortunes in their matches last week.
An inspired Van Gerwen inflicted a 7-1 thumping on the shellshocked Wade, while Wright defeated Phil Taylor in his opening match before pinching the final leg to claim a draw in his closing match with Gary Anderson.
Anderson has all but assured his play-off place as only an unlikely sequence of results would see the reigning champion fail to qualify.
But 'The Flying Scotsman' will want to end the campaign on a high and starts as a hot favourite against his struggling countryman.
Thornton suffered a 7-2 thrashing against Lewis last week, his 10th defeat of the competition, and has been hampered by a foot problem and a lack of form since the start.
Van Gerwen was at his ruthless best against Wade, hitting seven out of nine darts at a double, as he reinforced his status as the sport's top player.
In stark contrast, Van Barneveld looked crestfallen after a 7-5 loss to Anderson, which extinguished any faint hopes of a play-off place.
But 'Barney' still relishes any showdown with his Dutch rival and the pair produced an entertaining draw on night nine.
Taylor's surprise 7-4 defeat to Wright was a rare slip-up in a consistent season for the six-time winner and victory over Lewis would set-up an exciting duel with Van Gerwen.
'The Power' will travel to Rotterdam next week for his meeting with Van Gerwen, the last match of the regular campaign, and would relish the chance to finish in first place.
Lewis is still looking over his shoulder in fourth place, despite a three point cushion, and a win would guarantee his attendance at The O2.
Watch all of this week's Premier League matches on Thursday night from 7pm on Sky Sports 1. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
