Darts betting preview: Sky Bet preview the opening night of the Premier League with the best bets on each fixture.
Thursday 5 February 2015 20:45, UK
Premier League Darts is back for 2015 and we kick off at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, where last year saw a record crowd of 11,000.
The players will be greeted by the same sort of electrifying atmosphere and none of the players will want to disappoint, so expect a thrilling first night of the Premier League.
Dave Chisnall v Peter Wright
First up is Dave Chisnall against Peter Wright, the two are among the favourites to be relegated come judgement day and, even though it's only the first week, this will be an important game for both.
Both players have struggled recently and will be keen to get the campaign off to an all-important winning start.
Chisnall showed what he’s capable of when he turns it on last week in the Masters, where he averaged 106 and 108, scoring 18 180’s in the two games and was only knocked out by a sublime Michael van Gerwen, who went on to win the tournament.
Wright, meanwhile, lost out at the first hurdle to Adrian Lewis and was distinctly average.
No doubt, he will be working the crowd into a frenzy with his antics. Will this be enough to help the Snakebite get his season off to a flyer? Don't bet on it - if Chisnall shows up in the same form as he was in last weekend he will win.
One break of throw should see Chizzy win 7-4 (11/2 Sky Bet).
Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis
Last year's champion Raymond van Barneveld will be full of confidence after a great weekend in Milton Keynes at the Masters. He cruised through to the final, seeing off world champion Gary Anderson along the way in decisive fashion. He eventually lost in the final to an unstoppable MVG, who averaged 112.
By his own standards, Lewis has been pretty quiet of late. He will need to spark back into form if he is to get the better of the reigning champion.
One thing to note with these two is that the 180’s are flying in - back the over 6.5 180’s (1/1 with Sky Bet) and sit back and enjoy the game.
Kim Huybrechts v Michael van Gerwen
Welcome to the Premier League Kim Huybrechts! He's probably over the moon to be competing at this level, touring the country with the world's best players for the first time, but he couldn't have been dealt a tougher opening night fixture.
Saying that, the pressure is well and truly off as he faces the current favourite and in-form van Gerwen. Huybrechts may just relax and enjoy the occasion as nothing is expected of him and end up turning in a decent result.
However, this will be difficult as MVG thrives in front of the big crowds and, following his performance in the Masters last week, he will be fully revved up and ultra confident going into this game - he'll take some stopping.
MVG turns up with the same focus and determination week-in-week-out and never gives his opponent an inch.
It's hard not to see anything other than a convincing win for the 4/9 favourite, so back MVG with a -3.5 handicap, which is available at 11/8 with Sky Bet.
Gary Anderson v Phil Taylor
What a great opening fixture for the Leeds fans to enjoy. Current world champion Gary Anderson takes on 16-time world champion and six-time Premier League champion Phil Taylor.
Anderson - apart from the shock loss to Barney last week - has been in incredible form, beating Taylor in a thrilling world final which couldn’t have been any closer.
Taylor has had a difficult start to the year with the loss of his mother but he will be determined to give himself a better start than he did in last year's competition, and avenge his loss in the World Championship final.
Anderson, however, is on top form and is fearless at the minute. If he continues in the fashion he finished off last year this could be another great 12 months for the 44-year-old. It's conceivable to see him winning this one and making a statement early in the competition.
Back Anderson to beat Phil Taylor (11/8 with Sky Bet).
Stephen Bunting v James Wade
Stephen Bunting makes his debut in the Premier League after a phenomenal start to his PDC career since his move from the BDO last January. He has shown to everyone that he means business and the only way is up for Bunting - the Premier League will give him a chance to prove himself against the best players in the world.
James Wade had a mixed year in 2014 and was devastated not to be included in last year's Premier League. He will be determined to prove the organisers they were wrong to leave him out.
Bunting beat Wade in the World Championship in December and through playing a lot of the Players Championship tournaments and being used to the BDO's short format, the Premier League will suit him.
He can get off to a quick start and with the race being only to seven legs, Bunting should start with a win against James Wade.
Wade doesn’t give too much away though, so expect one break in the game and back Bunting to win 7-4 (11/2 with Sky Bet).
