Michael van Gerwen can close gap on Phil Taylor in Premier League
Friday 22 April 2016 08:40, UK
Michael van Gerwen will play twice in the Premier League as the battle for a top four spot continues on night 12 in Bournemouth.
The Dutchman has slipped four points behind leader Phil Taylor, but can close the gap if he picks up two wins on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports.
Live Premier League Darts
Adrian Lewis, who is just one point behind Van Gerwen in third place, is also preparing for a double-header as players scrap for precious points and a place at the season-ending play-offs at The O2 in London.
Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright
Van Gerwen had to share the points with Gary Anderson on night 11, his fourth draw in the last five weeks, and will be determined to start with a win.
Wright's promising campaign has lost momentum in recent weeks and his latest setback was a 7-2 defeat to Robert Thornton.
When the pair last met on night five, Van Gerwen averaged 116.67 in a masterful 7-2 win over Wright.
Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis
'Jackpot' hit the first nine-darter of this year's competition in last week's crucial win over top-four rival James Wade.
Van Barneveld's hopes of reaching the play-offs appear to be over after he picked up just a solitary win from his double-header on the same evening.
But the Dutch veteran is still capable of defeating any of the remaining players and cannot be taken lightly by Lewis.
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Anderson averaged 108 during his high quality draw with Van Gerwen, but is clinging onto fourth place and cannot afford to share any more points.
Wade is breathing down Anderson's neck in fifth place, despite being on the receiving end of Lewis' nine-dart heroics in last week's defeat.
A night nine clash between the pair ended in a draw and they should supply another tense encounter.
Phil Taylor v Robert Thornton
Taylor has pulled clear at the top of the table after he closed out his ninth win of the campaign against Van Barneveld.
'The Power' has emerged as the most consistent performer and is almost assured of a return to The O2 after failing to qualify in 2015.
But Thornton remains a threat and averaged 105 in an impressive win over Wright.
Adrian Lewis v Michael van Gerwen
Lewis and Van Gerwen will be expected to provide fireworks when they clash in the final match of the evening.
This battle of heavy scorers could decide who ends the night in second place.
Watch all of the Premier League matches on Thursday night, starting at 7pm on Sky Sports 2.
By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.
