Jose De Sousa v Nathan Aspinall 

They will play each other for the third time in the campaign and the second time in 2 nights, and that's all because of last nights result. I think it is extremely fitting that these two occupy 2nd and 3rd spot and it is fully deserved. 

Now we turn our attention to what could happen in this encounter in their quest to make their way to the final. In the two games they have done battle, it was a draw and then last nights exhibition from Jose, where he was borderline arrogant on the double top combinations, but we all love him for that. After taking the plaudits the last few weeks for his tenacity, guile and accuracy under pressure, Aspinall is now most definitely the man behind the 8-ball. He is the higher ranked player in the world and does have experience of a Premier League playoffs last year, but I think everyone would admit that the Portuguese player is the favourite. I am not even sure Nathan would dispute that, and secretly I believe Nathan prefers being the underdog. 

Jose has never looked happier, more comfortable on stage and at ease with being an elite player, and I think, like a lot of people now, he may be destined for a spell of titles in the twilight of his life. Like Phil Mickelson has proven this past week, and other dart-players in the last few years, age is but a number and life experience can guide you to amazing things. 

I cannot get my head away from a De Sousa win, and maybe the reason I am hesitating is because I am a huge Aspinall fan, but I think it is time to see De Sousa in another big stage final. It is massive that he got 2nd place too, because he will throw first in the semi-final and that could play a part. 

–  De Sousa to win and have most 180’s – (27/25)

Absolute filth at the darts as Jose De Sousa hits three D20s to win the opening leg #PLDarts21 pic.twitter.com/OvaUwTyEjy

— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) May 27, 2021

Michael Van Gerwen v Jonny Clayton

I think it's fair to say that Michael will feel very ready for the challenge of the playoffs. Not only because he topped the table, banked the bonus cash totalling £25,000 and because he has played better than everyone over the season, but because after missing out on last year's top 4 for the first time in his career, he will be like a hungry bear, waking up after a winter of sleep. 

It is immeasurable how much he wants this. To him, it’s not about the money, it isn’t even about the trophy, it is about what the title represents. It would represent a return to the winners circle and get a lot of doubters off his back. The win over Wright (8-6) on the last night of the league phase was well composed, yet decisive and that is a bad sign for the others. What MVG has rediscovered is not better form, it is his inner super hero and it is that which is bringing him back to the top. 

In his opponent Jonny Clayton, who only solidified his place in the playoffs last night at the death, he will face someone who will fancy the title now, not just the win against MVG. His ability to raise his game when MVG is in his way is well documented, and after beating Michael en route to some of his previous best runs in events, he will not be intimidated. 

As for who will face De Sousa in the final (as per my previous prediction) I am going to go for Michael this time. I personally want to see Clayton win two massive unranked events to spark a debate about rankings reform, but I do feel it is time for Van Gerwen to rebound. And for me, I think MVG wins the title. Regardless of the result, I think we may see a more aggressive Ferret than ever before. 

– MVG to win and have most 180’s –  (13/5) 

Accumulator of the night 

–  De Sousa and Van Gerwen to win – (27/20)