Double Dutch for Phil?

Abbey Road: Barney and Phil to do battle in Liverpool

PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS
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Phil 'The Power' Taylor is counting on a record breaking crowd to roar him back to the summit of the Premier League when he takes on Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in Liverpool on Thursday.

Around 8,000 people are expected to pack the Liverpool Echo Arena to see second-placed Taylor face van Barneveld - just one place behind The Power - during a high-profile night of action, which also pits current leader James Wade against Wayne Mardle in fourth.

Star attraction Taylor, who is unbeaten since week four of the competition, averaged a Premier League record of 111.14 when he defeated van Barneveld 8-3 in Nottingham last month.

And Taylor's hoping to gain another psychological edge over the former world champion this week, despite admitting his opponent will come out fighting.

"It did [hurt him]," said Taylor, recalling the Nottingham win over van Barneveld. "It's in his mind, but when it's there and you keep getting beaten you need to practice harder and Barney will do that.

"He's a professional and he knows what he's got to do - I'm expecting him to come out playing brilliantly.

"It's going to be buzzing with all those people and I'm excited. You're going to see a belting average, it could be as high as 115.

"I'll get ready for it, and I know Raymond will, and it will be a cracker."

Van Barneveld slipped to a shock 8-6 defeat to Peter Manley in Aberdeen and 'The Man' is under no illusion that the 11th night of league action is make or break for his title challenge.

"I was very disappointed last week but that is gone now and I am looking forward," revealed van Barneveld.

"I've worked hard practicing for Phil and I'm always up for playing against him."

Special

Darts' very own Fab Four have been gearing up for the Liverpool showdown by steeping themselves in the city's culture - including drawing some inspiration from its most famous sons, The Beatles.

The quartet recreated the musical icons' famous Abbey Road album cover by crossing the famous London street, and Wayne Mardle admitted it was a memorable prelude to Thursday's action.

"I've got the Abbey Road album at home and it was brilliant to visit the crossing," said Mardle, known as Hawaii 501, who dispatched reigning world champion John Part 8-6 in Aberdeen.

"I'm having a great time in the Premier League at the moment and Liverpool will be a very special night.

"It's a massive crowd and the city loves sport, and hopefully they'll have a night to remember."

Mardle's opponent, and current leader, James - The Machine - Wade also acknowledged that the evening was sure to be special.

"When you look at the calibre of players involved in the competition then it would be impossible to predict being top at this stage," he added.

"But all I can do is keep winning and keep enjoying every league night - I love playing against Wayne and it will be special on Thursday in Liverpool."

John Part faces Adrian Lewis, while Peter Manley takes on Terry Jenkins in Thursday's other clashes.