Premier League Darts 2014: Rod Harrington previews Week 5

Rod Harrington previews Week 5 of the Premier League in Exeter and expects fireworks when Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis go head to head, while Simon Whitlock could finally break his duck...

Peter Wright v Robert Thornton

Last week I think Robert Thornton was trying to please his Glaswegian mates too much because I don't think I've ever seen such a turn-around in form from a player in seven days. On the previous Thursday against Gary Anderson he was electrifying and was averaging 122 after five legs - but last Thursday he couldn't hit a thing. I was commentating and couldn't believe what I was watching because I expected him to be solid and beat Newton. It's a nightmare being a pundit sometimes! Thornton needs to up it because Peter Wright's overall game is exceptional right now. I don't think he can be relegated and a couple more points will nearly see him into the play-offs. He upset Adrian Lewis in his victory last week, but there was no malice and what happens on stage should stay on stage. If you went on the form you would have to pick Wright to win but it wouldn't surprise me if it was a draw.

Raymond van Barneveld v Dave Chisnall

Barney is the favourite for this match - and justly so. Dave Chisnall is taking two or three legs to get into a game and start hitting 140's and 180's - and over this short format that is a long time. If he does that against Barney he will lose, because as we saw last week the Dutchman is tough to beat when he gets in front. That's why he's a five-time world champion. Last week Van Gerwen missed loads of doubles in the very first leg. Barney nicked it and got in front and got his confidence up, but it could have been totally different because Barney's game is so fragile. If Chisnall can get 3-0 early on then he will win because in my opinion Barney doesn't show any fight or determination when he goes behind. However, Barney did not play a tournament at the weekend so will not go to Exeter on a downer after a loss. He will be on a high after beating Van Gerwen and I think he will win.