Wayne Mardle assesses Michael van Gerwen's chances of a double victory
Thursday 21 April 2016 22:55, UK
Michael van Gerwen could end the week level on 20 points at the summit of Premier League Darts alongside Phil Taylor.
Second-placed Van Gerwen currently has 16 but two matches on Thursday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD at 7pm, means he could catch Taylor if 'The Power' is turned off.
But will he? Wayne Mardle puts his thinking cap on...
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Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright
Like most weeks I don't think Van Gerwen will lose - but he's having trouble winning! He's won one of his last five. There's no structure to what's happening, he's playing well but not winning.
One of the players who has done that for the duration of the Premier League is Wright - he plays well but somehow gets beaten or he draws. I feel for him, because he's played well.
But if Wright continues to change his darts with the regularity that he has done, he'll find himself out of form and not know where to turn.
Prediction: Let's not beat around the bush, Van Gerwen is a better player. I do think he will win. (Sky Bet Odds: MVG 1/3 to win)
Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis
Barney doesn't always play well against Lewis. This is horses for courses, I just think Lewis to play Van Barneveld.
I can see Barney playing well but, now he can't qualify, he lacks that edge. Last week he played a drab affair in a way that told me he's had enough of the Premier League this season.
Prediction: Adrian beats Barney quite cosily, 7-3 or 7-4. (Sky Bet Odds: Lewis 5/1 to win 7-3)
Gary Anderson v James Wade
You can't afford to lose anyone below you in the league. They can go above you and drag you down. If you start losing to those below you regularly, you get dragged into the pack.
Anderson's performance against Van Gerwen last week was a massive plus, it was nearly faultless. He hit a 119 finish under pressure, and averaged 108 to draw with Van Gerwen
Prediction: I like the way James is playing but I think Gary wins. James lacks the consistent ability to go 140, 140, game shot. (Sky Bet Odds: Anderson 4/7 to win)
Phil Taylor v Robert Thornton
I love Robert to bits, I love that he tries 100 percent. He doesn't just play for the prize money - let's be honest, he'll finish seventh or eighth but he annihilated Wright last week.
But Taylor is showing a consistently brilliant form. He reads the game, and his opponent. He pulls out the right shot, at the right time.
Prediction: Phil has got too much for Thornton - he'll win 7-3. (Sky Bet Odds: Taylor 9/2 to win 7-3)
Michael van Gerwen v Adrian Lewis
After last week's nine-darter, can Adrian play that well again? It wasn't just the nine-darter, he played beautifully well.
Adrian had a dart to go 5-1 up last week but missed, and folded for 10 minutes. If he has a spell like that again Van Gerwen, he won't get away with it.
Prediction: Adrian will play well but, at the moment, he isn't consistently a match for Van Gerwen. (Sky Bet Odds: MVG 8/15 to win)
Watch Premier League Darts on Thursday at 7pm on Sky Sports 2 HD.
