Wayne Mardle's Premier League Darts predictions
Thursday 13 April 2017 19:05, UK
Gary Anderson and Peter Wright play twice each, so how will that affect Premier League Darts? Wayne Mardle knows...
Live Premier League Darts
Gary Anderson v Dave Chisnall
Gary is the more likely winner, obviously, but something has happened with Chizzy over the past two weeks. Is he more relaxed, or is he concentrating more? I don't know.
The likely outcome is that Gary wins and, three or four weeks ago, I'd have tipped him 7-3. But I do think it's possible that Gary doesn't win.
Prediction: Gary pinches it 7-5.
Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen
It's not an easy night for Peter, it's a really tough one. He's playing the world No 1 and world No 2, and they've both had his number.
You will never find me tipping against Van Gerwen, he's too good. I spent time last weekend with Michael and I asked him about topping the league again.
He said: 'I really want to get it done. I don't want to be needing a win on the last night, I want that league wrapped up'. So he's not going to ease off.
Prediction: Michael will be too good for Peter. Van Gerwen is such a win-machine, he loves walking off the stage the victory.
Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis
Adrian has played better in the last three or four weeks, and he's someone to be afraid of again. It's no longer a case of playing well and beating Adrian.
Adrian annihilated Gary last week (I know Gary was slightly out-of-sorts) but in months gone by, Adrian might have struggled to finish that game.
Prediction: I'm going for a draw here, I just can't decide between them.
Phil Taylor v James Wade
Phil is just inconsistent. He goes from a 95 average to a 105. We know he's so capable, but he's not as capable as he was.
Can he qualify for the play-offs? Yes. Can he win it? Yes. It's just less likely now. To qualify, he has to rely on Gary or Barney slipping up and I'm not sure they're going to. Phil will look over his shoulder at Gary because he's always been very good at knowing other scores. You're always amazed that he knows the fixtures.
Prediction: Phil beats James, who isn't playing well. James played well against Van Gerwen last week then dismally against Barney. Phil will be too good for James - he's been too good for him for the past 10 years!
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright
This week is about Gary not losing to Peter. If he beats Chizzy then loses to Peter, all of Gary's hard work will be undone. Gary and Peter are so closely matched in present form, but Gary has more ability.
Prediction: A draw wouldn't surprise me one bit. A draw wouldn't hurt Gary.
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